Patrick Egan lives just about two miles from his mother and stepfathersassisted living community.

My part-time, unpaid job is taking care of my parents.

With their approval, Egan addedremote-monitoring devicesto their Lafayette, Colo., home.

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His goal: to ensure their safety and security as well as to give himself some peace of mind.

My part-time, unpaid job is taking care of my parents, says Egan.

The thing l like about the remote monitoring is that they dont have to do anything, Egan says.

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An expanding market

Egan is one of many tapping into the myriad monitoring devices on the market.

But he also acknowledges that remote-monitoring technology can get complicated.

Some providers offer setup help and continued support, but that typically comes with a fee.

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An inexpensive DIY option may seem ideal until there are glitches.

If the equipment is not configured properly, its just a lot of noise, she says.

An inclusive conversation

Man talking to his family using Amazon Echo

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