This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Learn more from Privacy Policy
Monitoring elderly loved ones around the clock can be challenging, especially through phone calls or other communication methods.
Indoor cameras provide a reliable way to ensure their safety and well-being from anywhere.
With built-in microphones and speakers, these cameras offer 24/7 access, allowing you to check in, communicate, and assist with daily tasks like medication reminders.
To help you choose the right option, we’ve curated a list of the five best indoor cameras for elderly monitoring, based on features, user feedback, ratings, and expert recommendations.
Quick Pick
Below, we provide in-depth reviews of all five cameras. Here are our top quick picks for the best in home cameras for senior citizens.
- Best Over All – Ring Indoor Camera
- Most Features Option – Google Nest Cam
- Best Budget Option – Wansview Camera
Note: Several U.S. states have passed laws allowing the use of surveillance cameras, often called granny cams or grandma cams, to help protect and monitor loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
5 Best Indoor Cameras – The Detailed Review
The key features of each indoor camera are highlighted in the below table.
1. Google Nest Cam – Most Features
The Google Nest Cam is a versatile indoor and outdoor camera packed with advanced monitoring and security features. Here’s what makes it a top choice for elderly care:
- Know What is Happening 24/7 or Go Back in Time: Keep an eye on your loved ones with 1080p HDR video and night vision, ensuring clear footage at any time. Access up to 3 hours of event history for free.
- Easy Installation and No Electricity Requirement: The magnetic mount allows for effortless installation. Battery-powered, so there’s no need to position it near an outlet.
- Live Streaming: Stream live video on Google Assistant, Alexa, smart displays, tablets, and smart TVs for real-time monitoring.
- Two-way Communication: Use the built-in microphone and speaker to talk and listen.
- The Nest Cam features built-in intelligence that can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles, sending real-time alerts directly to the Google Home app, no subscription required
If your Wi-Fi goes down or there’s a power outage, the Nest Cam automatically stores up to one hour of recorded events, ensuring you never miss important moments.
Pros
- Indoor and outdoor usage
- Battery-powered or wired with cable
- 3 hours of video history and 1-hour local backup in case of a power outage or WiFi down
- Best 1080 HDR video quality
- Night vision and noise cancelation
Cons
- High price
- WiFi only
With its powerful features, the Google Nest Cam is an excellent choice for keeping seniors safe and connected.
2. Ring Indoor Cam – Best Overall Indoor Camera for Elderly
The Ring Indoor HD Camera is the top choice for monitoring elderly loved ones due to its high-quality features, 1080p HD video, and affordable price.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Two-way Communication: See, hear, and talk to seniors directly from your phone, tablet, or Amazon Echo device.
- Whole Home Coverage: You can install multiple Ring indoor cameras in different parts of the home and connect them in Ring app to cover the entire home
- Easy to Install: Place it on a flat surface or wall and plug it into a standard outlet. Follow the steps in the Ring app to connect to WiFi and you are done.
- HD Video & Recording: Get 24/7 live 1080p HD video. With a Ring Protect Plan (sold separately), you can record, store, and share videos for up to 180 days.
With real-time alerts, crystal-clear video, and two-way talk, the Ring Indoor Cam is the best camera for elderly monitoring.
Industry experts recommend it for its easy setup, excellent performance, and high-quality video.
Pros
- 1080p HD video live show and two-way communication
- Easy to install with standard outlet and WiFi
- Real-time notifications, compatible with Alexa
- Night vision and noise cancelation
- Affordable price and less subscription fee as compared to Google Nest
Cons
- Indoor monitoring only
- Electricity-powered, no battery usage
3. Wyze Cam Pan
The Wyze Cam Pan V3 is another good choice for monitoring elderly loved ones with 1080p HD video, night vision, and advanced motion tracking.
Other highlights include:
- Pan, Tilt, and Zoom: Get a 360-degree view of the entire room via the Wyze app, allowing you to track movement effortlessly.
- 24/7 Live Streaming: Monitor elderly loved ones from mobile 24/7 in full 1080p HD.
- Two-way Audio: Talk to and hear from the senior in real-time for easy communication.
- Motion and Sound Detection: The camera records video and sends instant alerts when motion or sound is detected. Motion tracking automatically follows movement, making it great for monitoring seniors, babies, and pets.
Pros
- 1080p HD video and night vision
- 360-degree pan/ tilt and zoom
- Two-way communication
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Motion detection is not great. You receive unnecessary notifications when movement of any kind is detected like plant leaves or window curtain movements
- Speaker volume is low, not great for seniors with hearing impairment
This camera is best for basic functions of monitoring but not an excellent choice if you want to communicate with seniors through the camera or use the motion detection feature.
4. Eufy Indoor Cam
Eufy’s indoor cam has all the basic functions. It comes with pan and tilt, human and pet AI, WiFi connection and night vision.
Key Features:
- Live Stream: View live stream up to 2K clarity (1080p while using HomeKit)
- Full Room Coverage: The camera detects the motions. Pan the lens 360 degrees horizontally and 96 degrees vertically to get a view of the entire room.
- Two-way Communication: Easily communicate with your loved one through the built-in two-way audio system.
- Dual Storage: Local and cloud storage options
Pros
- Live room monitoring, 24/7 in 2K video
- Two-way communication with the person on the other side
- Dual storage – local and cloud
Cons
- No 1080p HD video
This camera is surprisingly good and has great feedback and ratings from customers. Its local storage option is loved by users.
5. Wansview Camera – Best Budget Option
The Wansview Camera stands out as the top option in its price range for monitoring elderly loved ones. Packed with essential features and offering excellent value for money, it’s designed to provide peace of mind for caregivers and families.
- HD Video: Clear live video with 1080p HD resolution
- Two-way Audio: The camera comes with the option to talk with seniors on the other side, using a built-in microphone and speaker.
- Smart Pan, Tilt and Zoom: 360-degree coverage and 4X zoom to enlarge the video for details.
- Real-time Motion Detection: Receive instant alerts with 10-second video clips when unusual movement is detected.
- Easy to Install and Use: Set up the camera effortlessly by connecting to power and WiFi. Enjoy a live video stream via the Wansview app (available for iOS and Android). You can place it on a table or mount it on the wall.
The Wansview Indoor Camera has earned top ratings and glowing reviews for its quality, user-friendly design, and comprehensive features, making it one of the most popular choices for elderly home monitoring.
Pros
- 1080p HD video and two-way communication
- Motion sensor with notification alerts
- Local (SD) and cloud storage
- Night vision and Alexa compatibility
- Best camera at this price
Cons
- You may get slight noise when moving angles to see around, as mentioned by some users
Buyer’s Guide: 5 Essential Features to Look for in the Best Indoor Camera for Elderly Monitoring
1. Video Quality
While many cameras claim to offer 1080p HD live streaming, the actual quality can fluctuate based on Wi-Fi signal strength.
The cameras listed above provide reliable 1080p HD video for clear monitoring, no matter the signal strength.
2. Two-Way Communication
An important feature for senior monitoring is two-way communication. Not only should you be able to watch your loved one, but you should also have the ability to speak with them.
This is especially helpful for reminding them about medication or offering comfort. Look for a camera with a built-in microphone and speaker for seamless communication.
3. Night Vision
Good night vision is crucial for round-the-clock monitoring. While color night vision cameras cost more, they provide clearer footage at night.
4. Cloud Storage
Some indoor cameras offer local storage, often through an SD card (which may need to be purchased separately), while others only support cloud storage for video history.
If cloud storage is important, check out the subscription plans offered by each camera. For example, Ring has more affordable cloud storage plans compared to Google Nest Cam.
5. Easy Installation & Use
When it comes to elderly monitoring, ease of installation and use is key. Consider where you’ll place the camera—on a wall, shelf, or another surface. Check the installation options.
You may also want a battery-operated camera if you need it to work without a power outlet. All of the cameras mentioned above are designed to be user-friendly and offer multiple installation options.
Conclusion
When buying the best camera for elderly monitoring, you may not need some features like movement alert notifications or a lengthy video cloud storage plan.
So, it is important to have a clear mind of what features you want. An indoor camera does not really require the waterproof feature but it is essential for outdoor cameras.
Read More
- 5 Best smartwatches for seniors with fall detection
- 10 Easy-to-read watches for seniors
- 5 Best Fitbits for the edlerly
- 12 Cell Phone Holders for Elderly