The best apps for caregivers: 7 tools to make caregiving easier

We use apps for just about everything — managing our calendars, ordering dinner, finding a good book, even meeting new people. So, it only makes sense that caregivers have apps tailored just for them, too.

Between appointments, medications, check-ins, and everything in between, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. And while caregiving is one of the most meaningful jobs out there, that doesn’t mean it has to be the hardest.

That’s where a little tech support can go a long way. These days, there are apps built just for caregivers like you — designed to keep things organized, lighten the mental load, and give you back some breathing room. With the right tools in your corner, you can spend less time tracking tasks and more time being present for the moments that matter. 

With the number of family caregivers increasing, ¹ it makes perfect sense that there are now apps designed specifically to support caregivers like you. After all, caregiving is a big job, and having the right tech tools can make all the difference in helping you stay on top of things without sacrificing the care you give.  

Caregiving apps can come with all sorts of different uses, but some of the benefits they provide can include:

• Staying Connected - Staying in touch with your loved one is essential, and video chat features make it easy to maintain that close connection — even when you’re not physically nearby. 

• Caregiver Resources - Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one. Many caregiver apps offer access to coaching services, expert advice, and support forums where you can share experiences and get tips from other caregivers. Having a community of support can help you feel more confident in your role and less isolated in your journey.  

• Care Coordination Tools - Managing appointments, medications, and daily routines can be overwhelming. That’s where caregiving apps come in. With features like medication trackers, shared care calendars, and task lists, these tools help you and your care circle stay informed and organized, making it easier to manage every aspect of your loved one’s care.  

Whether you’re looking for better ways to communicate, track health progress, or streamline your daily caregiving routine, there’s an app designed to meet your needs. Remember, no app can replace the heart you bring to caregiving, but the right technology can make your life a little easier and your caregiving more effective.  

The first thing you’ll notice when browsing caregiver apps is that there are a lot of options to choose from. We understand that you want the right app, and things can become overwhelming quickly. Just remember that “right” is relative — as app reviews will attest. Let’s take a step back and ask: What’s “right” for you and your loved one?   

Consider what specific needs your loved one has, the ways you normally address those needs, and how an app can act as an extra set of hands. If, say, exercise is a vital part of their aging journey, an app that tracks workouts or offers exercise classes would work well. Specific needs might also extend to specific conditions. Certain apps are tailor-made for people who are vision-impaired or those living with cancer. 

Of course, you’ll also have to decide where you sit on the free vs. paid app spectrum. Some free apps have paid upgrades and subscription services, so pay attention before you select “download.” Ultimately, that investment is up to you and your loved one. 

Now, time for the meat and potatoes: the best apps for caregivers that we believe will help you as much as you help your loved one. Our carefully curated selection is divided into categories so you can focus on your needs.  

Coupled with a pill organizer, medication tracking/management apps are great because they can remind your loved one when and how much medication to take and they can monitor health trends. Here are some of the top medication tracking and management apps:

Medisafe 

We know keeping track of medications — especially when there’s more than one to manage — can feel overwhelming. Medisafe is designed to support both you and your loved one with gentle reminders and simple tools that help keep everyone on the same page.² If a dose is missed, the app can send real-time alerts, making it easier to stay informed and respond quickly. 

Beyond reminders, Medisafe also offers features that help you better understand how medications are being used at home. It includes in-home medication management and data tracking that may help you notice patterns, and it lets you share updates with others involved in your loved one’s care. The app is free to use, with no hidden charges or in-app purchases. 

GoodRx 

If you’ve ever felt sticker shock at the pharmacy, you’re not alone. Prescription costs can add up quickly, especially if your loved one takes several medications. GoodRx offers a simple way to compare prices across nearby pharmacies, so you can find lower-cost options without spending hours calling around.³

While it’s not just for older adults and caregivers, many families use GoodRx as a helpful tool to stretch their budgets and make medications more affordable. It's one more resource that can help take some of the pressure off when managing care costs. 

It’s important to note that the app isn’t intended as a replacement for insurance, and that you’ll need to check if your pharmacy participates in the program. Still, GoodRx is the best at what it does — all for free (though there is a paid membership available).

The best apps for monitoring older adults strike a perfect balance between ensuring safety and providing peace of mind. They can offer emergency alerts for quick response, location tracking and fall detection, and wellness check-ins.

FallSafety Home and Senior Safety  

There’s a reason the naming conventions for these apps are so straightforward: during emergency situations, clarity can make all the difference. Both FallSafety Home (available only on Apple devices) and Senior Safety (available only on Android devices) prioritize clarity over everything else, and for very modest prices (though both include free downloads and features).³ 

Shared features include fall detection, emergency contacts, and location monitoring. FallSafety Home, however, includes a panic button and high heart rate detection, while Senior Safety can warn of high ambient noise or low battery on the older adult’s phone. Just keep in mind that each app is restricted to Apple or Android.  

 Life360  

If your loved one is still on the go — running errands, visiting friends, or simply enjoying their independence — you might worry about their safety from a distance. Life360 is one option that can offer some peace of mind. It’s designed to help families stay connected and aware, without being overly intrusive.  

The app’s key features include:

• Emergency assistance and roadside services  

• Phone tracking  

• Digital, location, and driving safety  

The best part is, these features are as efficient as they are non-intrusive. Membership is free, though you can pay monthly or yearly plans to add even more safety-monitoring measures.  

Brain and body are connected in every way, meaning stress flows freely from one to the other. For caregivers, managing and mitigating stress is vital. 

Because everyone’s particular stresses are unique, we encourage you to experiment with what works for you. Regardless, we’ve found the following apps to help tremendously when it comes to alleviating anxiety. 

CaringBridge  

When someone you love is going through a health journey, keeping everyone informed and supported can be emotionally and logistically exhausting. CaringBridge creates space for connection — whether you’re sharing updates, organizing help, or simply letting friends and family know how things are going.⁴ 

It’s more than a tool; it often becomes a source of comfort during hard times. By bringing everything — messages, updates, and support — into one place, CaringBridge helps lighten the mental load. And because it’s donation-based, there’s no cost to use it, just a community of people who understand what caregiving really looks like. 

Calm  

Some days feel heavier than others. Whether you’re caring for a loved one full-time or just trying to find a moment to breathe, Calm can offer a pause when you need it most. Though not made specifically for caregivers, many turn to it for relaxation, better sleep, or a few quiet minutes of peace. Its variety of free and paid resources include:⁵ 

• Relaxing music  

• Gentle soundscapes  

• Stretching videos 

Through these resources, Calm is well-equipped to relieve every day and long-term stressors. It can be an invaluable tool for you and your loved one alike — and a perfect way to bond over shared anxieties.  

No matter what apps you download or how you use them, we know there is no substitute for person-centered care. The apps aren’t meant to replace human contact, but to simplify caregiving so that you can focus more on human contact.