Why physical sensors matter for elderly care
Not every day starts with a phone tap. When a senior is unwell, tired, or has had a fall, they may not reach a screen. Physical home sensors work in the background to verify normal daily movement and appliance use - giving carers reassurance without invading personal dignity.
Long periods of inactivity during hours when someone is usually active can be an early warning of a fall, illness, or emergency. Chuffty layers these sensor signals with The Daily Check-in and Carer Portal so families get a clearer picture, sooner - without video, audio, or facial recognition.
Room motion sensors
Simple PIR (passive infrared) movement sensors detect presence and motion in key living areas. They track that movement happened - never what someone looks like or what they say.
Living room - daily activity awareness
A living room motion sensor helps confirm everyday patterns: morning movement into shared spaces, afternoon activity, and evening routines. When those patterns hold, families can relax. When expected living-room activity does not appear during normal waking hours, carers get a quiet signal to check in.
- Supports zero-touch routine tracking for natural daily life
- Complements app check-ins when tapping a screen is inconvenient
- Helps spot unexpected stillness that may need a welfare call
Bathroom - illness and wellbeing signals
Bathroom visits are a private but important part of daily health. Motion sensing in this space can help families notice changes that sometimes accompany illness - such as unusually frequent visits overnight, or long periods with no bathroom activity when it would normally be expected - without any camera ever being installed.
- Assists with monitoring possible illness through pattern changes
- Respects dignity: motion triggers only - no video or audio
- Useful overnight when families cannot easily “just call to check”
Compatible PIR Motion Room Sensors
The following are CHUFFTY compatible, and often availbale from Kmart, Target, Bunnings, Amazon, Ebay and other online stores:
- Tuya T0202
- Tuya ZP01
- Tuya ZM-35H-Q
- Any brand being TS0202, ZP01, ZM-35H-Q compatible
- Aqara Motion Sensor P1 / MS-S02
- Sonoff SNZB-03P
Smart plugs for appliance activity
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Smart plugs sit between the wall and everyday appliances. They detect when devices turn on and off - a practical proxy for independence and routine. If a kettle, microwave, TV, or radio is normally used each morning and then stays silent for hours, that gap can matter.
Monitor appliances people use every day
- Kettle - often the first morning ritual
- Microwave - meal preparation and reheating
- TV or radio - daytime companionship and evening wind-down
- Other frequently used appliances that mark a personal routine
Appliance activity does not diagnose a medical event on its own. Combined with room motion and check-ins, it helps confirm that daily life is unfolding as expected - or that inactivity may need attention.
Compatible Smart Plug Sensors
The following are CHUFFTY compatible (ensure 10Amp or higher is supported if using with a kettle or other high power appliance), and often availbale from Kmart, Target, Bunnings, Amazon, Ebay and other online stores:
- Tuya TS011F
- Any brand being Tuya TS011F compatible
- UanTii TS011F
- SmartHome Zigbee Smart Plug
- VIKEFON TS011F
Room Sensor Hub
The Room Sensor Hub is the controller for the Motion Sensors and Smart Plugs. The Sensor Hub listens for triggers from your sensors and sends an encrypted update to the secure, Australian located CHUFFTY servers.
Your personal data is saved encrypted. CHUFFTY does not share or sell your data with any third-parties unless you have specifically requested so.
You would typically place the Sensor Hub near your existing internet modem/router. You would then place your room sensors and smart plug in places you would like to monitor.
For example, a start up kit would be the Sensor Hub, a motion sensor for near the bathroom/toilet entrance and a motion sensor in the living room or kitchen. This provides the minimum information for daily activities and wellness monitoring.
(NOTE: An existing home internet is required - if you do not have an exiting internet connection and need a data connection via a dedicated SIM Card please contact us here).
Chuffty Best Value Home Sensors
When inactivity may mean a fall or emergency
Falls and sudden illness are among the biggest worries for families supporting someone living alone. Sensors do not replace emergency services or wearable fall buttons - they add a layered safety net:
- No expected living-room movement during routine hours
- No bathroom motion when it would usually occur
- No kettle, microwave, TV, or radio use when those habits are part of daily life
- Missed Daily Check-in combined with quiet sensor patterns
Together, these signals can prompt carers to call, visit, or escalate sooner - while the senior keeps their privacy and independence at home.
Recommended Home Sensor Kit
- x1 Smart Plug - know if kettle, microwave, TV etc has been used
- x1 Motion Sensor - know you are up and about in the living room
- x1 Motion Sensor - know if you using bathroom more than usual
- x1 Sensor Hub - controls your devices
- x1 5v Power Unit - powers the Hub
- x1 USB-A to USB-C cable - powers the Hub
- Home Internet - The Hub connects to your existing home internet
Total cost around AU$110 (you can purchase you own parts to get the best prices).
You will also need a monthly subscription of AU$24.99 (includes CHUFFTY App)
Privacy-first by design
Many families face an impossible choice: constant worry, or cameras that strip dignity. Chuffty’s sensor approach is a third path:
- 100% camera-free - motion and power use only; never video, audio, or facial recognition
- Works with The Daily Check-in and Carer Portal for layered, hassle-free protection
- Compatible with Zigbee hardware ecosystem.
- Australia-hosted Carer Portal data; zero third-party selling
YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN SUPPLIER
We do not force you to buy sensors from us!
You can shop around and find the best value for you:
SLZB-06U Hub
This Hub is mandatory for the CHUFFTY software to work - our software ensure data privacy and that your data is stored in Australia.
You can buy the Hub direct from the Australian importer (around $80): DialedIn
Zigbee 3 compatible Room Sensors:
The sensor devices you choose must be Zigbee 3 protocol compliant (a global standard in home sensor technology).
Sonoff Zigbee Motion Sensor - SNZB-03P
Retailer: DialedIn(~AU$39.50)
Smart Plugs: (ensure 10Amp or higher is supported if using with a kettle or other high power appliance)
Tuya TS011F, any brand being Tuya TS011F compatible, UanTii TS011F, SmartHome Zigbee Smart Plug, VIKEFON TS011F
Zigbee 3 Smart Plug TS011F Compatible
Retailer: visit:
SmartHome(~AU$29.50)
Kmart, Target, Amazon.com.au, Ebay.com.au, DialedIn.com.au, SmartHome.com.au
CHUFFTY gives you the choice to shop around for the best value!
Cost of x4 home sensors and the Hub starts around AU$110
(You can purchase you own parts to get the best prices).
You will also need a monthly subscription of AU$24.99
(Includes the CHUFFTY App & Portal)
Get started
Download the free Chuffty app first, then talk to IHCT about living-room and bathroom motion sensors, smart plugs, and Zigbee options that fit your household.