Modern Family Safety: How Apps Can Support Your Loved Ones

Staying connected with loved ones can be challenging, especially as families are often spread across cities, states, and even continents. With busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and varying comfort levels with technology, many households are seeking tools that simplify safety, coordination, and communication.

Family technology is rapidly evolving, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. With a plethora of options available today, here are some key features to look for:

• Safety features that enable tracking of individuals on a shared plan and monitoring for any fraudulent activities.
• Shared communication options that facilitate chatting with multiple family members and caregivers on a single group channel.
• Financial monitoring tools that alert family members to suspicious activity.
• Caregiving options that provide remote support or automated reminders to help caregivers manage needs effectively.

This is where the new generation of family apps comes into play, including the Verizon Family app, EverSafe, and Lyft Family or Lyft Silver. These tools help monitor for fraudulent activity, keep you informed about daily routines, and provide peace of mind knowing that help or information is just a tap away.

Verizon Family Plus
Verizon’s Family Plus app, available on both iOS and Android for Verizon customers, is designed to support families at all life stages, from teen drivers to older adults living independently. The app consolidates four major safety features, making it a more affordable option than paying for separate services.

The four features include:

• 24/7 Assist: Tap your smartwatch to access a live agent who can help assess the situation—whether that’s calling 911 or your family.
• A shared “Family Line” phone number: When someone calls this number, it rings up to five devices simultaneously (additional taxes and fees apply).
• Location sharing: Choose who can see your location and follow your family members as well.
• Roadside Assistance: Get help for issues like flat tires or dead batteries—up to four service events per year—without needing a separate membership (terms apply).

The monthly cost of Verizon Family Plus is $14.99. If you have the Verizon Family Plus Perk on myPlan, it costs only $10 a month.

EverSafe
While older adults report less fraud than younger individuals, they often experience higher financial losses and have a lower likelihood of recovering those funds. Financial monitoring and fraud protection tools that track accounts for suspicious activity—such as new accounts opened or large wire transfers—can help families prevent fraud and provide an extra layer of security.

One option in this category is EverSafe, which allows family members to connect their financial accounts and designate recipients for monitoring alerts. Subscription options range from $7.49 to $26.99 per month, offering both individual and family plans that enable adult children to sponsor protection coverage for their parents.

Lyft Family / Lyft Silver
Lyft provides features that enhance ride-sharing safety and convenience for families. With Lyft Family, riders can share real-time trip details and live location with trusted contacts, offering peace of mind while on the move. Lyft Silver goes further for older adults, featuring a simplified app interface, priority ride matching, and dedicated live phone support from 8 AM to 9 PM ET. These tools help riders maintain independence while keeping family members informed and connected.

While Lyft Family and Lyft Silver do not have membership fees, each ride incurs a cost.

Why These Options Matter
Whether you’re managing a busy household, checking in on aging parents, or simply trying to stay connected with loved ones, today’s family apps offer tools that fit modern life. They support independence, provide reassurance, and create new ways to stay safe and in sync.

Your Turn
Have you tried any family apps? Which do you love? Share your experiences or questions in the comments!

This article is brought to you by Verizon.

Staying connected with loved ones can be challenging, especially as families are often spread across cities, states, and even continents. With busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and varying comfort levels with technology, many households are seeking tools that simplify safety, coordination, and communication.

Family technology is rapidly evolving, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. With a plethora of options available today, here are some key features to look for:

• Safety features that enable tracking of individuals on a shared plan and monitoring for any fraudulent activities.
• Shared communication options that facilitate chatting with multiple family members and caregivers on a single group channel.
• Financial monitoring tools that alert family members to suspicious activity.
• Caregiving options that provide remote support or automated reminders to help caregivers manage needs effectively.

This is where the new generation of family apps comes into play, including the Verizon Family app, EverSafe, and Lyft Family or Lyft Silver. These tools help monitor for fraudulent activity, keep you informed about daily routines, and provide peace of mind knowing that help or information is just a tap away.

Verizon Family Plus
Verizon’s Family Plus app, available on both iOS and Android for Verizon customers, is designed to support families at all life stages, from teen drivers to older adults living independently. The app consolidates four major safety features, making it a more affordable option than paying for separate services.

The four features include:

• 24/7 Assist: Tap your smartwatch to access a live agent who can help assess the situation—whether that’s calling 911 or your family.
• A shared “Family Line” phone number: When someone calls this number, it rings up to five devices simultaneously (additional taxes and fees apply).
• Location sharing: Choose who can see your location and follow your family members as well.
• Roadside Assistance: Get help for issues like flat tires or dead batteries—up to four service events per year—without needing a separate membership (terms apply).

The monthly cost of Verizon Family Plus is $14.99. If you have the Verizon Family Plus Perk on myPlan, it costs only $10 a month.

EverSafe
While older adults report less fraud than younger individuals, they often experience higher financial losses and have a lower likelihood of recovering those funds. Financial monitoring and fraud protection tools that track accounts for suspicious activity—such as new accounts opened or large wire transfers—can help families prevent fraud and provide an extra layer of security.

One option in this category is EverSafe, which allows family members to connect their financial accounts and designate recipients for monitoring alerts. Subscription options range from $7.49 to $26.99 per month, offering both individual and family plans that enable adult children to sponsor protection coverage for their parents.

Lyft Family / Lyft Silver
Lyft provides features that enhance ride-sharing safety and convenience for families. With Lyft Family, riders can share real-time trip details and live location with trusted contacts, offering peace of mind while on the move. Lyft Silver goes further for older adults, featuring a simplified app interface, priority ride matching, and dedicated live phone support from 8 AM to 9 PM ET. These tools help riders maintain independence while keeping family members informed and connected.

While Lyft Family and Lyft Silver do not have membership fees, each ride incurs a cost.

Why These Options Matter
Whether you’re managing a busy household, checking in on aging parents, or simply trying to stay connected with loved ones, today’s family apps offer tools that fit modern life. They support independence, provide reassurance, and create new ways to stay safe and in sync.

Your Turn
Have you tried any family apps? Which do you love? Share your experiences or questions in the comments!

This article is brought to you by Verizon.