Listen to the Story from NPR, "Wired Homes Keep Tabs on Aging Parents." Here's a sneak preview of this story:

What's In A Wired Home?

In addition to camera monitoring, companies offer other kinds of services to help keep track of an elderly person's daily activities.

Some use motion sensors to monitor someone's movement around the house, and daily tasks like preparing coffee. If a sensor detects that, say, Grandpa has been in the bathroom too long, a relative can be notified by cell phone or text. Companies that specialize in this kind of monitoring — such as SimplyHome, QuietCare and BeClose — provide detailed activity information for loved ones to see on a private website.

Listen to the Full Story from NPR, "Wired Homes Keep Tabs on Aging Parents."