More than one million Australians aged 65 and over live alone. For most, that independence is something to be protected – not surrendered. But independence at home carries a quiet risk that personal alarms, check-in calls, and good intentions don’t always catch: the moment when something goes wrong and the person either can’t reach a button, can’t remember to press it, or simply isn’t wearing it.
This guide explains how passive home monitoring works, who it’s suited to, how it differs from a traditional personal alarm pendant, and what to look for if you’re considering it for an elderly parent, client, or resident.
Table of Contents
What is passive home monitoring?
Passive home monitoring is a sensor-based approach to home safety that works in the background – without requiring the person being monitored to do anything at all.
A network of small, discreet sensors is installed around the home. These sensors track movement, detect falls, monitor doors, and observe activity patterns throughout the day and night. When something unusual happens – no movement detected for an unexpected period, a fall in the bathroom, or a door opening at an unusual hour – an alert is sent to family members or carers through a smartphone app.
The person being monitored doesn’t need to press a button, answer a call, or wear a device. The system simply watches in the background and only reaches out when something genuinely needs attention.
This approach is sometimes called ambient home monitoring – technology that observes the environment and the person’s activity within it, rather than relying on the person to initiate contact. In the research literature, the broader category is known as Ambient Assisted Living (AAL): sensor and IoT-based systems that enable discreet real-time health monitoring in home environments, with significant potential for personalised and preventative care. A 2025 review by researchers at University College London described AAL as one of the most consequential developments in home-based healthcare for elderly people living independently.
The problem with “press the button”
Personal alarm pendants have been the standard approach to home safety for elderly Australians for decades, and for good reason – they’re reliable, affordable, and effective when used correctly. But the words “when used correctly” contain the problem.
For a pendant alarm to work, the person must:
- Be wearing it at the time of the emergency
- Be conscious and alert enough to press the button
- Remember that pressing the button is what they should do
- Be physically able to reach and press the button
In practice, none of these conditions is guaranteed. Research consistently shows that older adults frequently don’t wear their alarms – in the shower, in bed, because it feels unnecessary, or simply because they forgot. The problem is broader than pendants: studies show that 32% of people stop using wearable devices within six months, and 50% within a year, citing concerns about reliability, discomfort, and the burden of daily use. Falls happen in bathrooms, at 3am, and in the first confused seconds of a medical event. People with early dementia may not associate pressing a button with calling for help. People who have had a stroke or a serious fall may not be physically able to reach a pendant even if they’re wearing one.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), falls are the leading cause of hospitalised injuries among Australians aged 65 and over, accounting for 77% of all injury hospitalisations in this age group. Half of all falls resulting in hospitalisation occur in the home. The consequences of lying unattended on the floor for hours – sometimes called the “long lie” – extend well beyond the initial injury, contributing to pneumonia, pressure injuries, dehydration, and a loss of confidence that often accelerates the transition to residential care.
A passive monitoring system doesn’t replace a pendant alarm. But it closes the gap that pendants leave open: the scenario where something has gone wrong and no one knows.
How does a passive home monitoring system work?
The technology is simpler than it might sound. A central gateway connects to the home’s internet. A small number of wireless sensors – typically installed on walls or ceilings – communicate with the gateway and monitor what’s happening throughout the home.
Motion sensors track normal movement patterns. If the person is up and about in their usual routine, the system registers that and no alert is sent. If there’s been no movement in the kitchen since mid-morning when the person normally makes lunch, or no movement at all by mid-afternoon, the system can send a quiet notification to a family member or carer.
Fall detection sensors use radar or accelerometer technology to identify a sudden impact or collapse – without any input from the person who has fallen. Installed in higher-risk areas like bedrooms and bathrooms, these sensors can detect a fall and send an immediate alert even if the person is unconscious or unable to call for help.
Door sensors can notify carers if a door is opened outside expected hours – particularly useful for residents with dementia who may be at risk of wandering at night.
Emergency buttons – wall-mounted in bathrooms or near beds – provide a backup call option for moments when the person can and wants to actively request help.
Two-way voice allows a carer or family member to speak directly into the home through a connected speaker during an alert. The resident doesn’t need to answer a phone or press anything – the communication opens automatically, allowing immediate verbal reassurance or a quick assessment of the situation before deciding whether to dispatch help.
Inactivity alerts provide a passive wellbeing check – if the motion sensors detect no activity for longer than a defined period, a notification is sent. This functions as a continuous, automated version of the daily check-in call that many families rely on.
All of this information is accessible through a smartphone app, giving family members or care coordinators a real-time view of the person’s wellbeing without the intrusiveness of cameras or the anxiety of waiting for a daily call.
Passive monitoring vs. personal alarms – which is right?
These two approaches aren’t mutually exclusive, and for many people the best solution involves both. The right choice depends on the person’s circumstances, their level of cognitive and physical function, and whether the primary risk is at home or also extends to when they’re out and about.
| Passive home monitoring | Personal alarm pendant | |
|---|---|---|
| Requires action from the user | No | Yes |
| Works outside the home | No | Yes |
| Detects falls automatically | Yes (in covered rooms) | Yes (on device, if worn) |
| Suitable for people who won’t wear a device | Yes | No |
| Suitable for early to moderate dementia | Yes | Depends on stage |
| Suitable for active seniors who go out | No – use alongside a pendant | Yes |
| Privacy | No cameras, no audio recording | No cameras, no audio |
| Typical upfront cost | Higher (multiple sensors) | Lower (single device) |
The clearest case for passive monitoring is someone who consistently refuses to wear a pendant, or someone whose cognitive decline means reliable button-pressing can no longer be assumed. The clearest case for a pendant is someone who is active, regularly leaves the house alone, and is reliable about wearing their device.
For most families, the honest answer is that both provide different kinds of protection – and combining them gives the most complete coverage.
Who benefits most from home monitoring?
Passive home monitoring is particularly well-suited to:
People who won’t wear a pendant. This is one of the most common frustrations for families – the alarm that sits on the bedside table unused. Passive monitoring removes the compliance problem entirely.
People with early to moderate dementia. As cognitive decline progresses, reliably pressing a button in an emergency becomes less certain. Passive monitoring provides safety without depending on recall or intention.
People recovering from surgery or illness at home. Post-operative patients or those managing a health event are at elevated risk and may be moving slowly or differently than usual – patterns that passive monitoring can detect and flag.
Families who live interstate or can’t visit frequently. The app-based alert system means a son or daughter in another city has the same visibility as one who lives down the road. It replaces the anxiety of not knowing with a quiet, ongoing confirmation that their parent is moving around and going about their day.
Home care providers and NDIS support coordinators managing multiple clients. A single account can manage monitoring across multiple homes, with alerts going to the relevant carer for each client. This is particularly useful for organisations providing after-hours support or managing clients who are home alone between scheduled visits.
People in higher-risk living situations. Rural and remote Australians living alone, people managing chronic health conditions, and older people whose mobility or balance has changed are all candidates where the additional layer of passive monitoring provides meaningful protection.
The case for investing in home monitoring also has a financial dimension that’s worth understanding. Research published in peer-reviewed literature indicates that home care costs approximately 32% less than equivalent hospital care. The AAL market globally is projected to reach USD 23.5 billion by 2030, growing at nearly 20% annually – a reflection of how seriously healthcare systems worldwide are taking the shift toward home-based monitoring and care.
Privacy – the question every family asks
It’s a reasonable concern, and it deserves a direct answer.
Passive home monitoring systems that use sensors rather than cameras don’t record video, take photographs, or capture audio. The sensors detect motion, presence, and environmental conditions – not images of the person or recordings of their conversations. The home continues to feel like a home, not a monitored facility.
There’s an important dignity dimension to this. Many elderly Australians resist the idea of cameras or constant check-in calls precisely because it makes them feel watched or diminished. A well-designed sensor system provides continuous safety without the person having to be aware of it from moment to moment. In some respects, it’s less intrusive than a family member calling twice a day to check in.
The relevant questions to ask of any provider are:
- Is sensor data stored on local hardware, in Australian cloud infrastructure, or overseas?
- Who has access to the data and under what circumstances?
- What is the data retention policy?
- Is the system compliant with the Australian Privacy Act 1988?
A reputable provider will answer these questions clearly. If they don’t, that’s worth noting.
What to look for in a home monitoring system for elderly Australians
If you’re evaluating passive home monitoring options, here are the features that matter most:
No camera requirement. Privacy-safe monitoring doesn’t need cameras. Systems that rely on cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms introduce privacy risks that sensor-based systems avoid entirely.
App-based alerts for multiple contacts. Alerts should reach everyone who needs to know – adult children, a care coordinator, a neighbour. The best systems let you define alert thresholds and contact lists for different types of events.
Fall detection. Automatic detection of a fall, without the person needing to press anything, is the most critical safety capability for most elderly Australians. Check whether fall detection is room-specific (ceiling-mounted sensor) or device-based, and what the detection method is.
Two-way voice. The ability to speak into the home during an alert – before deciding whether to call an ambulance or drive over – is a significant practical advantage. It allows rapid triage and reassurance.
Inactivity monitoring. The ability to set a threshold for no-movement alerts provides a passive daily wellbeing check.
NDIS eligibility. For participants with relevant support needs, passive home monitoring may be fundable as assistive technology. Check whether the provider is NDIS-registered and can issue compliant invoices.
Simple setup. Many families are setting up systems remotely or for a parent who lives some distance away. Systems that require professional installation or complex configuration create unnecessary barriers.
Compatibility with existing equipment. If the home already has bed pads, floor mats, or other safety devices, check whether the monitoring system can integrate with them rather than replacing them.
Australian support. For a safety system, local support matters. Check that the provider has Australian-based customer service and doesn’t rely solely on overseas call centres.
Lola – passive home monitoring designed for Australian homes
Lola is a new Australian passive home monitoring system designed for elderly people living independently and the families and care providers who support them.
The Lola system uses a network of wireless sensors – including motion sensors, a fall detection sensor, door sensors, an emergency pendant, and a waterproof bathroom button – connected through a central gateway and managed via the Lola app. When something needs attention, the app notifies designated family members or carers immediately. A built-in speakerphone enables two-way voice communication directly into the home without the resident needing to answer anything.
Lola uses no cameras and no audio recording. It is designed to work in the background, providing continuous monitoring without intruding on daily life or compromising dignity. The system is built by the same Australian team behind Safe-Life, a Melbourne-based provider of personal alarms and assistive technology with over a decade of experience in aged care and home safety.
Lola is launching in 2026 and is currently accepting registrations for early access. NDIS-registered participants may be eligible to access Lola as assistive technology.
Register your interest at lolaapp.com.au →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between passive home monitoring and a personal alarm? A personal alarm requires the person to press a button when they need help. Passive home monitoring uses sensors to detect when something has gone wrong – a fall, unusual inactivity, unexpected movement – without the person needing to do anything. Many families use both.
Does passive home monitoring use cameras? Not necessarily, and in most cases not at all. Sensor-based systems like Lola use motion, fall detection, and door sensors that detect presence and movement – not images or video. This makes them significantly more privacy-respecting than camera-based systems.
Can passive home monitoring detect falls automatically? Yes. Fall detection sensors mounted on walls or ceilings can identify a sudden collapse and send an alert immediately, even if the person is unconscious or unable to press a button.
Is passive home monitoring suitable for someone with dementia? Yes, and it’s often particularly well-suited to people with early to moderate dementia who may not reliably press a pendant button in an emergency. Because the system requires nothing from the person being monitored, cognitive decline doesn’t affect its effectiveness.
Can I monitor my elderly parent remotely? Yes. App-based monitoring systems send real-time alerts to your smartphone, wherever you are. You can check activity patterns, receive fall or inactivity alerts, and in some systems initiate a two-way voice call directly into the home.
Is passive home monitoring covered by the NDIS? It may be, depending on the participant’s plan and support needs. Eligible participants may be able to access home monitoring equipment through Core Supports or Assistive Technology funding. Check with your support coordinator or the provider directly.
About the author
Rory Piper is a Melbourne-based writer and assistive technology specialist at Safe-Life Australia, a leading provider of falls prevention alarms and personal safety devices. He creates evidence-based guides on falls prevention, home monitoring, NDIS assistive technology, personal alarms and independent living for older Australians. Rory’s articles are widely read by carers, occupational therapists, aged care staff and families who need practical advice on keeping people safe at home, in hospitals and in residential care.
References and further reading
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022). Falls in older Australians 2019-20: hospitalisations and deaths among people aged 65 and over. AIHW, Australian Government. aihw.gov.au
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024). Older Australians – Demographic profile. AIHW, Australian Government. aihw.gov.au
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2025). Dementia in Australia – Prevalence of dementia. AIHW, Australian Government. aihw.gov.au
- CSIRO Australian e-Health Research Centre. Smarter Safer Homes – living at home longer. csiro.au
- Zieni, B., Ritchie, M.A., Mandalari, A.M., & Boem, F. (2025). An Interdisciplinary Overview on Ambient Assisted Living Systems for Health Monitoring at Home: Trade-Offs and Challenges. Sensors, 25(3), 853. doi.org/10.3390/s25030853
Published by Lola App – Alerting Devices Australia P/L T/A Safe-Life, 5/270 Lower Dandenong Rd, Mordialloc VIC 3195. NDIS Provider Number: 4050109546.