Threshold’s Wi-Fi sensing plugs offer caregiver monitoring without cameras

Threshold Care’s new Motion Wi-Fi Sensing Plugs can help caregivers monitor older adults, like aging parents, in a noninvasive way that maintains the privacy of everyone in the home. Its built-in Wi-Fi sensing technology measures physical interference with Wi-Fi signals to enable real-time monitoring of “movement without capturing images or photos.”

Wi-Fi sensing technology has been kicked around for a few years. It was part of a motion-sensing security feature built into Linksys Velop routers a few years ago, and Signify also uses the tech for its Wiz lightbulbs that turn on when you enter a room — and off when you leave.

The Motion plugs are available in a three-pack for $59.99, so you can place them “throughout the home to create a comprehensive motion zone” as they communicate with your existing Wi-Fi router. The company describes it as a “plug and play” setup, without relying on wearable devices that might need batteries or paid subscription services for ongoing monitoring.

Monitoring motion can allow a caregiver to know that someone is up and moving around in the morning, whereas no motion could indicate there’s a problem. Similarly, motion at odd times, such as in the middle of the night, could alert them to an issue. Threshold lets you monitor motion patterns and access up to two weeks of motion data in the app (iOS and Android).

One thing it lacks, however, is actual “smart plug” capabilities that would allow you to turn a device plugged into it on or off. They have passthrough AC outlets, but at launch, that’s it.

Threshold’s website says it has other features in development, such as a “Circle of Care” due this month that manages shared access to the system and customizable notifications that it expects to deliver in November.