Emergency communication for seniors
Simple, reliable and affordable contact with family during power outages or disasters. MeshCore works without internet or mobile networks – exactly when you need it most.
Why emergency communication is important for seniors
As a senior, you want to remain independent while also being able to get help quickly when needed. During power outages, internet failures, or other emergencies, phone and internet services often fail. WhatsApp stops working, calls don't go through, and the fear of isolation grows.
Traditional emergency buttons and alarm systems often depend on mobile networks or internet – precisely the infrastructure that fails first during a crisis. FM radio helps receive information, but you can't communicate back to your family.
MeshCore emergency communication offers a unique solution: an easy-to-use mesh network that works without internet or mobile networks. You can send messages directly to family, neighbors, and other users nearby – even during a complete blackout.
Why seniors are especially vulnerable during communication failures
Seniors face extra risks when communication systems fail:
Medical dependency
Many seniors require regular medical care. During emergencies, it's essential to quickly contact family, caregivers, or neighbors who can help.
Reduced mobility
Not all seniors can easily go outside or walk to neighbors. During power outages or other crises, remote communication is crucial for requesting help or reporting safety.
Social isolation
Many seniors living alone have limited social contact. During communication failures, they become completely isolated. The ability to stay in touch with family provides peace and security.
Limited technical skills
Complex technology is a barrier for many seniors. Simple, reliable communication without complicated installation or monthly fees is essential.
Problems with existing emergency communication for seniors
Most current solutions have significant limitations:
Mobile phone: network dependent
During major power outages, mobile networks fail after 4-8 hours. You can no longer call or use WhatsApp. Precisely when communication is most important, it stops working.
Emergency button/alarm center: expensive subscriptions
Traditional emergency buttons often cost €20-40 per month. That's €240-480 per year. For many seniors with limited AOW (pension) income, this is unaffordable. Moreover, many systems use mobile networks that fail during outages.
FM radio: receive only
An FM radio helps receive official information, but you can't communicate back. You don't know if your family is safe, and they don't know how you're doing.
Landline: also power dependent
Many landlines don't work during power outages. Only old-fashioned analog lines keep working, but these are being phased out (KPN discontinuing them in 2025).
MeshCore: emergency communication that actually works
A simple, reliable solution without monthly fees
MeshCore is a mesh network that operates via small LoRa radio devices. These devices communicate directly with each other, without internet or mobile networks. You can send messages to family, neighbors, and other users – even during complete power outages.
LocalMesh is the Dutch citizen initiative helping seniors in the Netherlands use MeshCore as reliable emergency communication. It's completely free (no subscription), easy to use (connect to your smartphone), and always works – exactly when you need it.
Benefits of MeshCore for seniors
Easy to use
Connect the device via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Sending messages is as simple as WhatsApp. You don't need to be a technical expert.
No monthly fees
One-time purchase from €50. No subscription, no monthly costs, no hidden fees. Perfect for a pension budget.
Long battery life
The LoRa radio lasts days to weeks on a single battery. You don't need to charge it daily. During power outages, it keeps working.
Works without internet
No internet, no mobile network, no provider needed. During power outages or network failures, MeshCore keeps working.
Direct contact with family
Send messages to your children, grandchildren, partner, or neighbors. Let them know you're safe, or ask for help when needed.
Privacy guaranteed
Private messages are encrypted. Only you and the recipient can read them. Nobody else, not even commercial companies.
Practical applications for seniors
How seniors use MeshCore in practice:
Reassure family
Send a message to your children to let them know everything is okay. During power outages or other crises, prevent family from worrying.
Request help
Fallen? Not feeling well? Send a message to neighbors, family, or other MeshCore users nearby. Someone can come help.
Coordinate medication
If the pharmacy is difficult to reach during a crisis, you can ask family to bring medication or arrange assistance.
Organize evacuation
During floods or other disasters, quickly contact family to coordinate evacuation or let them know where you're going.
Build neighborhood network
Build a local emergency network with neighbors. You can help each other and stay informed, even without internet.
Share information
Share important information you hear on the radio with family and neighbors. Keep everyone informed.
Getting started with MeshCore: step by step
Step 1: Discuss with family
It's helpful to start together with your children or grandchildren. They can help with installation and serve as first contacts. Build a family network together.
Step 2: Buy a LoRa radio device
Through the LocalMesh website, find recommended devices from €50. Your children can order them for you on Aliexpress or Amazon. Order 2 or 3 immediately: one for you, one for your children.
Step 3: Install with help
Download the free MeshCore app and connect the device via Bluetooth to your smartphone. The steps are simple, and the LocalMesh community in the Netherlands is happy to help. Your children can also assist.
Step 4: Test together
Send test messages to your family. Try it out so you know how it works before you really need it. Practice regularly to stay familiar.
The LocalMesh community in the Netherlands is happy to help. There are users who dedicate time to help seniors with installation and explanation. You're not alone.
Communication options for seniors compared
| Feature | Mobile phone | Emergency button | MeshCore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works during power outage | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Two-way communication | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cost | €10-40/month | €20-40/month | One-time €50 |
| Contact with family | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Ease of use | Average | Very simple | Simple |
Frequently asked questions from seniors
Is it difficult to install?
No, it's as easy as pairing Bluetooth headphones. Download the app, connect the device, done. Your children or grandchildren can help, and the community in the Netherlands is also available.
Do I need to be technically skilled?
No, not at all. If you can use WhatsApp, you can use MeshCore. Sending messages works the same way. You only need to install it once.
What does it cost per month?
Nothing at all! No subscription, no monthly fees. Only a one-time purchase of the device (from €50). After that, it's completely free.
Does it really work without internet?
Yes, completely. MeshCore uses LoRa radio signals that go directly between devices. No WiFi, no mobile network, no provider. It works even during complete blackouts.
How far does it reach?
Direct range is about 1 km in urban areas, up to 10+ km in open fields. Via other users (repeaters), messages can travel much farther. The network in the Netherlands is growing rapidly.
Can my family also send messages to me?
Yes! If your family also has a MeshCore device, you can send messages to each other. Two-way communication, just like WhatsApp. Ideal for families.
Emergency communication that works, especially for seniors
With MeshCore emergency communication, you as a senior are never alone during a crisis. No expensive subscriptions, no complicated technology – just reliable contact with your loved ones, always.
Start together with your family and become part of the growing mesh network in the Netherlands.