Security monitor/ microphone / speaker for elderly

Chloe_G

My elderly mother is hardly ever left alone but I need some way to contact her at home on the very rare occasions that I have to leave her unattended for a short period. She can no longer cope with answering the phone as her hands are too arthritic.

Is there a gadget that's pretty easy to set up which I could use to speak to her without her needing to press a button to answer it? Ideally, also she could contact me through it if necessary.

Any suggestions gratefully received!

Newcad

The BT advanced smartphone is available with Alexa built in for hands-free dailing and answering calls.

https://www.bt.com/content/dam/bt/help/digital-voice/advanced-with-alexa-phone/Alexa-Quick-Start-Guide.pdf

Of course you'll need a BT phone contract (or broadband/phone), and Alexa.

EDIT- Maybe not, reading that guide again she would still have to press one button before telling it who to call.

I'd talk to BT about what you need, and what they can do for you.

All BT phones are now voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) so they provide a smarthub2 if don't already have one.

https://www.bt.com/landline/

I have BT broadband on the social tariff and that came with one of the Alexa phones, but I don't know if that's standard or was a limited time offer thing? It was all pretty easy to set up, although I didn't set up the Alexa features because I don't want Alexa.

purple_wellies

I have a Tapo camera installed in my mum’s flat as she has dementia. It’s mainly for making sure she doesn’t wander in the night out the door or if she falls. It does have a speaker so I can speak to her even if she can’t answer a phone and a microphone so she can answer me back. It’s helped a few times already when mum had a fall - luckily I could move the camera to where she had fallen, tell her what to do and call for help. I got mine online and it has a SD card so you can download recordings (such as when mum had a possible scammer at the door). No subscription required either. Mine cost £18 and the SD card £11. Been working perfectly for 6 months now. Needs a broadband connection and accessed through an app. Mine was the TC79 model. I hope this helps.

Vitor

A Ring Indoor Cam perhaps; it has continuous two-way audio and you can speak to her instantly from the Alexa app.

Ring Indoor Camera Plus (newest gen)| Plug-In Security Camera | Retinal 2K, 4x Enhanced Zoom, Low-Light Sight, Manual Lens Cover | 30-day free trial of Ring Subscription Plan : Amazon.co.uk

glennevis

I have a Tapo C200 camera and also think one of their cameras would fit the bill. You don't need to install an SD card so at around £20 and with a subscription-free app it is cost effective. It has a call mode, it doesn't actually ring (you could make a sound to atttract attention). The in-built speaker is quite effective and your voice could be heard in the next room for example.

debitcardmayhem

The 1st question for me is does mum have broadband ?

Vitor

I read that the OP's mother lived with the OP

debitcardmayhem

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81874886#Comment_81874886

If so then amazon echo/dot

Chloe_G

Hi All, thank you. Yes, she lives with me and I have broadband.

I'm going to research all your suggestions. I think the Tapo camera may be the easiest because it is only very rare occasions that I may have to go out at short notice and can't arrange for someone to sit with her.

john1

I think I have the answer to your problem because I had the same problem

I came across a tablet/phone application, when looking for a home day time date display clock, it is called "Calendar Clock" by Jelter. see this link https://calendarclock.app/

I have installed it and it works wonderfully and I am very impressed. The app designer is Dutch and responds to all contact emails if you have any questions There is monthly subscription of £4.39 if you want video calling

It cost me nothing equipment wise as I have an used very old android tablet.but suitable s/h tablet are plentiful for £30+