Local fall detection without a subscription
Learn how to build a local fall detection system with Home Assistant, using open-source tools and no monthly fees.
Last updated: 2026-05-20
Fall detection is a critical feature for aging in place, but many smart home systems rely on cloud services that require subscriptions. If you’re building a local-first smart home with Home Assistant, you have more control and flexibility. This guide will walk you through practical, subscription-free methods to detect falls using Home Assistant, HomeKit, and Hubitat.
Use Motion Sensors and Presence Detection
The simplest way to detect a fall is to use motion sensors in conjunction with presence detection. If a motion sensor detects movement and the user is not at home, it could indicate a fall. This method doesn’t require any subscription and works well with Home Assistant and HomeKit.
In Home Assistant, you can use the device_tracker integration to track presence. Pair this with motion sensors like the Aqara Motion Sensor P2 or Philips Hue Motion Sensor to detect activity. When motion is detected and the user is not at home, you can trigger an alert via email, push notification, or a smart siren.
For HomeKit, you can use the Apple HomePod mini or Apple HomePod 2nd Gen as a speaker for alerts. Combine this with HomeKit-enabled motion sensors like the Philips Hue Motion Sensor or Aqara Motion Sensor P2 (via Home Assistant or third-party integrations). If motion is detected and the user is not at home, you can use a HomeKit automation to trigger a sound or send a notification.
Tradeoff: This method is not 100% reliable. It can give false positives if someone is away from home and moves around. It also doesn’t detect falls directly — it only indicates that someone is moving unexpectedly.
Use Smart Sirens and Alarms for Immediate Alerts
If you want a more direct way to alert someone of a fall, consider using a smart siren or alarm panel. These devices can be triggered by Home Assistant or Hubitat and are fully local, with no subscription required.
The Aeotec Siren 6 is a great choice for Home Assistant. It can be integrated via Z-Wave and used to trigger loud alarms in case of a fall. You can also use the Heiman Z-Wave Siren or Heiman CO Alarm for similar functionality. These sirens can be linked to motion sensors or presence detection rules to sound an alert when a fall is suspected.
In Hubitat, the Hubitat Elevation C8 hub supports Z-Wave and Zigbee devices, and you can use the Konnected Alarm Panel Pro or Konnected Garage Door Opener as a siren. These devices can be triggered by automation rules based on motion or presence.
Tradeoff: Sirens are loud and can be disruptive. They are best used in a home environment where others are present. If you’re alone, you may need to pair this with a phone alert or a smart speaker that can call someone.
Build a Custom Fall Detection System with Sensors
For more advanced users, you can build a custom fall detection system using a combination of motion sensors, pressure sensors, and smart speakers. This approach is more complex but can offer better accuracy.
One option is to use the Philips Hue White A19 bulb as a motion sensor. While it doesn’t detect motion directly, it can be paired with a Philips Hue Motion Sensor to create a motion detection system. If motion is detected and the user is not at home, you can trigger a Philips Hue Smart Plug to turn on a light or send a notification.
Another option is to use the Aqara FP1 or Aqara FP2 as a fall detection sensor. These sensors can detect if someone has fallen and send an alert. They work well with Home Assistant and can be integrated with other sensors for more accurate detection.
For HomeKit, you can use the Apple HomePod Mini or Apple HomePod 2nd Gen as a speaker to play a voice alert. Pair this with a Philips Hue Motion Sensor or Aqara Motion Sensor P2 to detect movement.
Tradeoff: These systems require more setup and may not be as reliable as commercial fall detection systems. They also depend on the accuracy of the sensors and the environment in which they’re used.
Use Smart Locks and Water Leak Detectors as Secondary Alerts
If you’re looking for a secondary alert system, consider using smart locks and water leak detectors. These can be used to detect if someone has fallen and is unable to open the door or if there’s a risk of water damage.
The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra or Nuki Smart Lock Pro can be used to detect if the door is left unlocked. If a fall is suspected, you can trigger a Nuki Smart Lock to lock the door and send a notification.
For water leaks, the Heiman Water Leak Sensor or frient Water Leak Detector can be used. If a fall is suspected and water is detected, you can trigger a Heiman Siren or Frient Smart Siren to alert you.
Tradeoff: These systems are more about detecting secondary effects of a fall, rather than detecting the fall itself. They are useful for monitoring but not for immediate fall detection.
Quick Verdict
Building a local fall detection system without a subscription is possible with Home Assistant, HomeKit, and Hubitat. While no system is 100% accurate, combining motion sensors, sirens, and smart speakers can provide a reliable alert system. For the best results, use a combination of Aqara Motion Sensor P2, Philips Hue Motion Sensor, and Aeotec Siren 6 or Heiman Siren. These devices work well together and offer a balance of accuracy and reliability. If you’re looking for something even more advanced, consider using a Philips Hue White A19 bulb with a Philips Hue Motion Sensor and a Philips Hue Smart Plug to create a custom system.