How can I check on an elderly parent who lives far away?

A daily sign she is okay

Pick a time she is always up by. With Hammock365, she taps one button each morning and it shows on your phone. If the tap has not come by that time, you get a text. She does not have to download anything: you text her a link and it opens in her phone's browser. It is a simple way to monitor an elderly parent remotely, without cameras or tracking.

People near her, when you live out of state

A text from far away only helps if someone close can act on it. Make a short list now, not on the day you need it:

• A neighbor or friend who can knock on her door
• Her building manager or community front desk, if she has one
• Her doctor's office
• Her local police non-emergency number, for a welfare check

A neighbor or friend can also join with your family code and see her check-in. On the paid plan, everyone who joins gets the text.

Her details on your phone

The emergency card holds her full legal name, date of birth, allergies, medications, her doctor, two emergency contacts and her insurance. It is on her phone and yours, free. On the paid plan, the document vault holds her power of attorney, insurance cards and advance directive, and the family shares one list of appointments.

Split it with family

If you have brothers or sisters, give each one a job: one owns the check-in time, one keeps the medication list, one knows her doctors. Everyone joins free with the family code. See how siblings can share keeping an eye on Mom.

The honest limit

None of this replaces a visit or a phone call. Hammock365 is not an emergency service. It texts family and does not call 911. If you believe it is an emergency, call 911.