There's no single "best" option—just the one that fits your situation. Here's how they compare.
We believe in helping you find what actually works for your family—even if that's not us.
The market for senior safety solutions has grown significantly, and that's a good thing. It means more options for different situations, needs, and preferences. But it can also be confusing. Here's our straightforward take on the main categories and where Nanavia fits.
| Feature | Medical Alert Devices |
Comprehensive Monitoring |
Nanavia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Must be worn? | Yes | No | No |
| Camera or audio? | No | Sometimes | Never |
| Fall detection? | Some models | Some systems | No |
| Emergency button? | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| 24/7 call center? | Yes | Some systems | No |
| Professional install? | Usually no | Often yes | No |
| Number of devices | 1 (worn) | Multiple rooms | 1 (placed) |
| Alerts who? | Call center → 911 | Varies | Your chosen circle |
| Best for | Existing conditions | Cognitive decline | Active independents |
| Typical monthly cost | $25-50+ | $100-300+ | TBD |
The familiar "I've fallen and I can't get up" solution.
These wearable devices have been around for decades and serve an important purpose. Press a button, and you're connected to a 24/7 monitoring center that can dispatch help or contact emergency services on your behalf.
Modern versions often include fall detection, GPS tracking (for mobile units), and two-way communication. They're a proven technology backed by established response networks.
Multiple sensors throughout the home tracking behaviors and patterns.
These systems place sensors on doors, in multiple rooms, on appliances, and sometimes include cameras. They build a detailed picture of daily routines and can detect anomalies like wandering at night, leaving the stove on, or unusual bathroom visit patterns.
Some systems include AI analysis, caregiver dashboards, and integration with healthcare providers. They're sophisticated tools for families dealing with cognitive decline or multiple health concerns.
A single motion sensor that notices when daily patterns break.
Nanavia takes a minimalist approach. One sensor in a high-traffic room learns when there's usually activity. If there's an unusual gap—like no movement in the kitchen after 10am when there's always movement by 7—your chosen contacts get a text alert.
It's not trying to track everything or provide emergency response. It's simply a way to notice when something seems off, so family can check in. A digital safety net that respects independence and privacy.
Here's a quick guide based on common situations:
Medical alert devices are probably the right choice. Immediate access to professional help is critical when there's an existing condition that could cause sudden emergencies.
→ Medical Alert DeviceComprehensive monitoring systems can track patterns throughout the home and detect early signs of cognitive decline like wandering or forgetting to eat.
→ Comprehensive MonitoringIf they're healthy and independent but won't wear a device, Nanavia might be a good fit. It provides a layer of visibility without requiring them to do anything differently.
→ NanaviaMaybe they already have a medical alert but don't always wear it, or you just want additional visibility. Nanavia pairs well as a supplemental system.
→ Nanavia (as backup)We're not trying to be everything to everyone. We built a focused tool for a specific need.
Some families need immediate emergency response. Others need comprehensive cognitive monitoring. And some families have a parent who's doing just fine—active, sharp, independent—but they worry about the "what if" scenarios. What if mom slips in the bath? What if dad has a health event in the middle of the night?
Nanavia is for that third group. A light touch. A backup plan. A way to know that if something goes wrong and they can't call for help themselves, at least someone will notice.
It's peace of mind for you. Independence preserved for them.
Learn more about how it works, or join our waitlist to be notified when we're ready.