Daily check-in services provide safety and reassurance for seniors living alone, ensuring timely intervention in emergencies. These services range from automated calls and apps to human-operated systems and community-based programs. Here is an evaluation of the top check-in services for Seniors living alone.
Automated Daily Call Check-In Service
With daily call check-in services, users receive daily calls at pre-selected times. Answering confirms their well-being; failure to answer triggers alerts to designated contacts. The leading provider of daily call check-in systems is Verocall.
Features:
- Customizable Call Schedules: Choose daily call times to fit routines.
- Notifications to Designated Contacts: If no answer after repeated attempts, Verocall will alert designated contacts in the care circle via text or email. Conversation summaries can be sent to members as well e.g., “Imelda mentioned sleeping better until the neighbors started nightly construction this week.” or, “Hank acknowledged that, after last week’s fall, his living room could use de-cluttering and agreed to hire a cleaner to come this Friday.”
- Intelligent Conversation: Verocall’s trained auto agent is conversational with a long memory, encyclopedic knowledge and patience for details. “I remember you asked about the newest hearing aids last week. Have you made progress on that?” Every day a fresh topic including notifications of recent scams from polite, multi-lingual agents.
- Multiple Check-In Options: Loved Ones can check-in by answering the scheduled calls, or calling in, texting, or emailing within the check-in periods.
- No Smartphone Required: Works with any phone, ideal for seniors with limited tech skills.
- Affordable Pricing: Verocall costs $19/month, requires no setup fee, no contract, and is easy to cancel according to users.
Price: $19/month for two check-in conversations each day.
User Feedback: “Verocall’s calls are informative, reliable, and I like that I don’t need a fancy phone. It’s simple and gives my kids peace of mind.” – AARP Community Forum user, 2023.
Note: A user reported issues when using Verocall with a speakerphone and a television program was louder than the loved one.
Smartphone-Based Check-In App
Users confirm their status via a simple interface, with alerts sent if check-ins are missed. Snug Safety is an app designed for seniors who install it on their smartphones, offering a non-call-based check-in solution.
Features:
- Daily Push Notifications: Users tap a green checkmark to confirm they’re okay at chosen times.
- Emergency Contact Alerts: Missed check-ins trigger notifications to designated contacts with the user’s last known location.
- Premium Plan: For $10/month or $99/year, Snug adds dispatcher calls and police wellness checks if needed.
- Motivational Quotes: Each check-in displays a positive quote for emotional engagement.
- Free Basic Plan: Core features available at no cost, though location tracking is required.
Price: Free for basic plan; $10/month or $99/year for premium.
User Feedback: “I’ve been using the free version, which has all the features I need at the moment.” – App Store review, 2023.
Note: A user reported issues with time zone adjustments: “The app began notifying me three hours too early… even when set to a new time zone.” – App Store review, 2023.
Human Call Services
Human call services like Towne Monitoring Services and CareCheckers provide daily reassurance calls with live operators, offering a personal touch for seniors seeking human interaction. It’s more expensive but prioritizes emotional connection alongside safety.
Features:
- Live Operator Calls: Daily conversations include medication reminders and friendly check-ins.
- Flexible Check-In Methods: Seniors can confirm via call, text, or email.
- Customizable Plans: Options range from one call per week to multiple daily calls.
- Emergency Escalation: If no response, operators alert contacts or authorities.
- Pet-Friendly Focus: Popular with seniors living alone with pets, ensuring pet care in emergencies.
Price: Towne Monitoring offers two calls per day for $99.95/month while CareCheckers charges $49.95/month for one daily call and $59.95 for two daily calls; custom plans available.
User Feedback: “Most of our check-in clients are adults who live alone with pets. 9 out of 10 pets would recommend this service to a friend :)” – CareCheckers customer survey, 2023.
Additional Reassurance Services for Senior Safety
These services achieve similar goals to automated check in systems, focusing on alternative methods like community programs or technology-based monitoring.
- Local Sheriff’s Telephone Reassurance Programs
- Description: Many sheriff’s departments offer free automated daily check-in calls. If unanswered after multiple attempts, a designated contact or deputy is notified for a wellness check.
- Features: Free, no smartphone required, community-based trust.
- Price: Typically free.
- User Feedback: “We relied on local law enforcement to do a wellness check. They were always happy to do it.” – Quora user, 2024.
- Senior Call Check Program (Maryland)
- Description: A state-run service offering daily calls or texts between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Unanswered calls prompt follow-ups with an alternate contact.
- Features: Flexible scheduling, text option, free for Maryland residents.
- Price: Free.
- User Feedback: No direct user quotes available; program noted for accessibility features.
- Care Penguin
- Description: A non-call-based system using smart sensors to monitor home activity (e.g., water usage). Alerts caregivers if patterns suggest a problem.
- Features: Non-intrusive, no daily action required, ideal for tech-averse seniors.
- Price: Not publicly listed; typically subscription-based.
- User Feedback: “Not technically a call service, but it performs a similar function of detecting a potential problem.” – Reddit user, r/eldercare, 2024.
- Volunteer Visiting Programs (e.g., DOROT)
- Description: Community groups or NGOs like DOROT provide weekly volunteer visits or calls for companionship and safety checks.
- Features: Human interaction, free or low-cost, often paired with social services.
- Price: Usually free; waitlists may apply.
- User Feedback: “Telephone reassurance program is available but has a waitlist.” – Reddit user, r/eldercare, 2024.
Which Check-in System is Best?
Verocall provides a cost-effective, automated call solution for seniors with no technical requirements, while Snug’s app-based system suits tech-savvy users with easy-to-use features. Towne and CareCheckers offers a human touch for those prioritizing interaction. Additional services like sheriff programs, Care Penguin, and volunteer visits, complement these options, catering to diverse needs and budgets. Evaluate based on the senior’s tech comfort, health needs, and preference for human connection.
