This is article 4 of a 4 article series.
Buying aging-in-place technology is the easy part. Setting it up, teaching someone to use it, and keeping it working—that’s where families struggle.
This guide covers installation, training, emergency backup plans, and ongoing maintenance.
Before You Start: Test Your Internet
Most devices need the internet. Test speed before buying anything.
Check internet speed:
- Go to Fast.com on any device
- Wait for the test to complete
- Write down the speed
Speeds needed:
- Video calling: 5 Mbps minimum
- Security cameras: 5 Mbps per camera
- Motion sensors: 1 Mbps
- Medication dispensers: 2 Mbps
If your speed is too slow:
- Call the internet provider about upgrades
- Ask about senior discounts
- Consider devices that don’t need the internet
DIY Installation vs. Professional Help
Install yourself (save $100-$300):
- Motion sensors (stick on walls)
- Video call tablets (plug in, connect to Wi-Fi)
- Smart speakers
- Basic cameras
Hire professional help:
- Smart locks (drilling required)
- Hardwired security systems
- Multiple cameras with wiring
- Anything requiring tools beyond a screwdriver
Professional installation costs: $100-$300, depending on complexity
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Step 1: Charge Devices Fully
Before setup, charge all devices overnight. Dead batteries during setup cause frustration.
Step 2: Download Apps Before You Visit
Download the required apps on your phone before going to their house. This saves time and prevents forgetting which apps you need. This allows you to monitor. Putting apps on their phones can be helpful for them, like the Ring doorbell so they can see who’s at the door before going to the door.
Step 3: Write Down All Passwords
Create a password sheet with:
- Wi-Fi network name and password
- Device login passwords
- App usernames and passwords
- Customer support phone numbers
Keep one copy at their house, one at yours.
Step 4: Set Up Devices Yourself First
Connect and test everything before involving your loved one. Make sure it works perfectly.
Test checklist:
- Device connects to Wi-Fi
- App shows device online
- Alerts come through to your phone
- Battery level shows correctly
- Device survives a power cycle (unplug and plug back in)
Step 5: Label Everything
Use a label maker or masking tape to label:
- Which power cord goes to which device
- Which Wi-Fi network to use
- Emergency contacts
Example label: “Video Tablet – Plug stays in wall outlet near TV”
Teaching Seniors to Use Technology
Most seniors can learn technology if taught patiently. Answer their questions as you explain; this helps you understand if something was misexplained. Once you have explained it to them, have them explain it to you.
Effective Teaching Method
Session 1 (Day 1): Show and explain
- Demonstrate while they watch
- Explain what each button does
- Let them ask questions
- Don’t expect them to remember yet
Session 2 (Day 3): Practice together
- Have them try while you watch
- Guide without taking over
- Praise what they do right
- Gently correct mistakes
Session 3 (Day 7): Independent try
- Ask them to show you how to use it
- Only help if they’re stuck
- Celebrate success
Session 4 (Day 14): Check retention
- See if they remember without reminders
- If not, that’s okay—repeat sessions
Go over the instructions every few months. If they don’t use the device regularly, instructions are easily forgotten.
Create Simple Instructions
Write a one-page guide with:
- Large print (18-point font minimum)
- Pictures of each step
- No more than 3-4 steps total
Example instruction card for video calling:
How to Call Sarah
- Say “Alexa, call Sarah.”
- Wait for her face to appear
- To hang up, say “Alexa, hang up.”
If the screen is black, press the round button on top. Laminate the card and tape it next to the device.
What If They Can’t Learn It?
If after four teaching sessions, they still can’t use the device:
- The device is too complicated for them
- Choose something simpler
- Or use automatic features that need no interaction
Don’t keep trying to teach a device that’s beyond their abilities. That frustrates everyone.
Emergency Backup Plans
Technology fails. Have plans for when it does.
Power Outage Plan
What stops working:
- Wi-Fi router (no internet)
- Plugged-in devices
- Cameras
- Video calling
What keeps working:
- Medical alert pendants (24-48 hours on battery)
- Cell phones (until the battery dies)
- Motion sensors with batteries
Backup plan:
- Keep your cell phone charged
- Have a flashlight with batteries
- Know your neighbor’s phone number
- Family calls to check after power outages
Battery backup for router: $50-$100, provides 4-8 hours of internet during outages
Internet Outage Plan
The Internet fails even when the power stays on.
My experience: My mom’s internet went out during a storm. Her video doorbell, cameras, and Echo all stopped. She couldn’t call me. The motion sensor couldn’t send alerts.
I didn’t know because I wasn’t getting alerts. Now she keeps a charged cell phone as backup.
Backup communication:
- Charged cell phone or landline
- Neighbor’s phone number on the refrigerator
- Weekly in-person visit schedule
- Daily phone call at the same time
Device Failure Plan
If a device stops working:
- Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug back in (fixes 50% of problems)
- Check if Wi-Fi is working (try other devices)
- Check device battery level
- Call customer support
- If a critical device (medical alert) is activated, activate the backup plan immediately
Backup plans for critical devices:
- Medical alert → Keep a charged cell phone nearby
- Medication dispenser → Weekly pill organizer as backup
- Motion sensors → Daily phone call
Battery Replacement Schedule
Every device with batteries eventually needs replacements.
Battery life by device:
- Motion sensors: 1-2 years (CR2032 coin batteries)
- Smart locks: 6-12 months (AA batteries)
- Video doorbells: 1-3 months (rechargeable, must charge)
- Medical alert: 3-5 years
- GPS trackers: 1-3 days (rechargeable daily)
Set calendar reminders:
- Check battery levels monthly
- Replace before they die, not after
- Keep spare batteries at their house
Spare battery kit:
- Pack of AA batteries
- Pack of CR2032 coin batteries
- Phone charger
Leave this kit at their house in a labeled drawer.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
First of every month, check:
- Battery levels in all devices (check app)
- All devices are showing “online” in apps
- Test each device quickly (press the alert button, make a test call)
- Update apps if needed
- Replace batteries below 20%
- Clean camera lenses
- Check for software updates
This takes 15-20 minutes and prevents surprise failures.
Quarterly Deep Maintenance
Every 3 months:
- Update all apps and device software
- Review which devices are actually being used
- Remove unused devices
- Test emergency backup plans
- Replace aging devices before they fail
- Check subscription charges
Remove devices if:
- Not used in 30 days
- Creating more problems than they solve
- Better alternatives exist now
Technology needs regular pruning like a garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does setup take? Simple devices (motion sensors, video calling): 30-60 minutes. Complex systems (multiple cameras, smart locks): 2-4 hours.
What if I don’t live nearby? Set up everything during a visit. Use remote access tools (TeamViewer) for troubleshooting. Plan quarterly in-person maintenance visits.
Can seniors do maintenance themselves? Simple tasks (changing batteries, unplugging/replugging) yes. Wi-Fi troubleshooting or app updates usually need family help.
What happens during extended power outages? Most devices stop working. Medical alerts with cellular backup keep working 24-48 hours. Have a landline or charged cell phone as backup.
Good setup and maintenance prevents 90% of technology problems. Invest time upfront to save frustration later.
Article series
Before your family member loses the ability to communicate, have them document their wishes about technology use—especially monitoring devices in their home. Record their preferences for both current and future scenarios.
- Tech fatigue – why simple aging in place technology works best
- Which aging in place technology could work for your family
- Tablet safety for seniors preventing scams and accidental purchases
- Setting up aging in place technology installation, training, and maintenance