Ways to track older parents through smartphone with permission
Posted by don51181@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 27 comments
My MIL has health issues and is single. She has an android and we have Apple. What is a free or cheap way to track her in case she has a health emergency?
She will be will to sign up for it as well. We are on different phone carriers. Thanks for the help.
SadCandidate3298@reddit
mySeniorCareHub has this feature of connecting android and apple devices together. They have a free tier option as well, you can track her location, mini option triggers showing what's she doing like went out for a walk, grocery shopping, etc. Daily check-in option is also available.. so you get that shes okay every day in the morning (customizable).
adamalexmusic@reddit
If she’s willing to sign up, the easiest cross-platform solution is Piing: https://piing.net/download … it works on Android and Apple, is focused on dependable location sharing, and is simple to set up for emergencies without extra clutter or notifications.
Itchy_Feedback_7625@reddit
I think an AirTag would be easier. I hated Life360 when my kid had an android, compared to FindMy.
don51181@reddit (OP)
What did you not like about Life360? I think we will probably do both. Each have pro’s and con’s. I am still learning Life360.
Itchy_Feedback_7625@reddit
You have to make sure the app is running, from what I recall. If their phone shuts off or restarts or does an automatic update, it stops running. I was constantly having to grab their device to make sure. It’s no way to the standard of FindMyFriends.
Amber10101@reddit
This may or may not be what helps you. My mother has been disabled for many decades and uses a wheel chair. We set up an extra paid service that works with Amazon Alex. She can just say “Alexa, I need help” and Alexa connects her to an operator who can call 911 on her behalf. They will dispatch an EMT. We set up a profile with her health info, meds and the code to her front door.
She’s had several falls and this paid service has gotten her taken care of.
Additionally, if you both have an Alexa device, you can approve a setting to say “Alexa, drop in on Jane” and it’ll allow you to talk to that person.
I really dislike Amazon/Bezos. They do some terrible stuff. However, a few products and services are very helpful for the elderly and disabled.
HughPajooped@reddit
Life 360 works great
don51181@reddit (OP)
Thanks. Is there a cost to it?
Garbanzo_Beanie@reddit
Fair warning it may be a battery drain (I don't know this but it was my first with trying it with my parents who aren't good about charging already).
If the battery can't handle it consider a phone refresh. Some lower end phones I know specifically come with a bigger battery. Moto Power 5g comes to mind (when you search it it sometimes finds a phone without 'power' in the name so shop carefully)
don51181@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the info. I didn’t think about the battery drain. I guess a small price to pay for tracking her. She is pretty good about charging her phone.
The feature letting you know their battery is below 10% is nice. Just in case she forgets because she is getting a little absent minded. Like leaving a phone on silent too long so we can’t reach her.
Garbanzo_Beanie@reddit
These apps have had a lot of time to optimize battery since I looked. It's going to be a drain but maybe not a huge one. Supplementing with an air tag will help. Those things are self powered
don51181@reddit (OP)
Yeah I could mention to her to get an AirTag as well. It’s a good backup. Especially if I just help her hide it in a car. A nice theft protection or if she get’s in a wreck.
HughPajooped@reddit
It isn't much of a drain at all. I have no issues. If it's an old phone where the battery is going bad, ya, it won't make it better.
HughPajooped@reddit
Nope, it's free. They'll try to get you to subscribe to higher tiers that unlock other features but they're not needed.
don51181@reddit (OP)
Great thanks. Do you use the free or paid version? I’ll try it out.
HughPajooped@reddit
Been using the free version for years. I use it to see where my kids are. The paid stuff is to track speeds, to know when someone is leaving somewhere (as opposed to just pulling up the app to see). Works very well for free.
don51181@reddit (OP)
Good to know. Seems like free will work for us. Just need to find my MIL in case she has a medical issue. Thanks.
Sufficient_Turn_9209@reddit
We also use the free version. It's great for my mom and my kid!
80cartoonyall@reddit
Second
Polymox@reddit
You can share location with any contact in Google maps.
Secret_Elevator17@reddit
I use the share your location on google maps with my parents. They got lost once coming home from another state at night and weren't sure where to go, so I use that now.
don51181@reddit (OP)
Good idea
Americaloc@reddit
Disclaimer: This is the official Americaloc account. We’re replying here because location tracking solutions are what we work with every day.
If your mother-in-law is comfortable installing an app and granting permission, one option to consider is our app, Americaloc Go. It’s designed to allow smartphone location sharing with the user’s full consent, which can give you peace of mind by letting you see where she is if there’s ever a health emergency.
Since she uses Android and you use Apple, the app works across platforms, so it doesn’t matter that you’re on different devices or carriers. First, you would install the Americaloc Viewer app and set up your account. Then, she would install the Americaloc Go app on her phone and enable the required permissions. Once everything is set up, you’ll be able to view her location directly from your phone.
You can also create zones and set up entry and exit alerts via text message and WhatsApp. The platform allows you to create multiple geofences without limiting the number of zones.
If you’d like to try it, the first month is free, so you can test it and see if it fits your needs before making any long-term decisions.
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
don51181@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the information
bratikzs@reddit
Air tag should work - put that on their keys, will also help if (or when) the keys get misplaced. An Apple Watch will work too.
Life 360 is a great suggestion as well! My sister uses it with her diverse device family - they’ve got androids and iPhones, works great for them!
Dimplefrom-YA@reddit
i got an air tag for my parents
don51181@reddit (OP)
Good idea. Thanks.