According to the AARP, older, aging adults say that voice-controlled technologies are easier to use and more marketable than other smart home products as they offer the ability to operate other household gadgets, play music, make phone calls, look up information, and read books using these devices which is not only useful for you or your loved one but also entertaining.
All of it can be done from the comfort of their sofa – feet propped up on the coffee table while using their voice technology gadgets. That is, unless it’s my mother’s coffee table, your feet had better be on the ground!
In addition, smart home devices help older adults with aging-related issues, such as falls and continence. They are fitted with sensors that monitor things like body movements, sleep patterns, and bathroom usage. Some products also act like alarm clocks or reminders to take medication so that your loved one does not miss appointments or forget to do essential tasks.
Smart homes can also help older people manage their health more effectively by sending information about vital signs and vitals to a healthcare provider. This allows them to reach out and get help quickly in case of an emergency, as well as provide constant support for seniors who need assistance with daily activities. Overall, smart home devices are becoming more prevalent and helpful in the lives of seniors, and they can make life easier and more enjoyable for your loved one.
A fully functioning smart home just might be what helps an aging person stay in their home longer, selecting home health services for elder care versus being “put in an old folks home,” as my mother would say. Unfortunately, my mom had to watch her grandmother pass away slowly from Alzheimer’s in a nursing home, so she never wanted that same fate for herself.
According to studies done by the National Institute of Health, “Smart home technologies show great potential in the management of chronic diseases at home, not only favoring the control of exacerbations of chronic diseases but also providing safety to patients by supporting them in autonomous disease management. Furthermore, smart homes improve patients’ quality of life and, thus, pursue the main goal of health care in chronic conditions. The use of smart homes as a support tool for the management of chronicity within the community could bring numerous benefits in terms of continuity of care, allowing constant monitoring of older adults by the local and hospital health services,”.
What are the advantages of smart homes?
Smart homes are a fantastic way to manage your energy use more efficiently while letting you automate daily tasks like adjusting the thermostat, switching the lights on or off, raising or lowering window blinds, and even watering the garden based on the weather. Plus, they offer added security perks, such as alarm systems and video monitoring.
One of the coolest parts? You can stay connected to your home no matter where you are through apps on your smartphone. Voice-controlled gadgets also make things simple and convenient, and you’ll get notifications if anything unexpected happens in or around your home. In short, a smart home not only simplifies your life but also offers extra support to seniors with mobility, vision, or hearing challenges.
Types of Home Automation
Three main types of home automation systems:
- Power line-based home automation (X10, which uses the electrical/power line cables already fitted)
- Wired or BUS cable home automation (wired ‘BUS’ systems that utilize data cables with programmed control via a central computer)
- Wireless home automation (RF’ radio frequency’ which uses wireless technology)
Getting into the world of home automation as a homeowner can be a bit challenging. It requires some time and patience to explore all the automation options out there, understand what’s possible, and figure out what works best for your budget.
This is where bringing in a professional company makes a real difference. They’ll have the expertise to bring cutting-edge home automation right to your doorstep. With a team of technical experts, they can help you navigate what’s feasible with your home’s setup, including electrical systems and remote control capabilities.
And rightly so! These pros won’t start installing anything until they’ve got a solid grasp on what each feature will do, how it operates, and whether it will seamlessly integrate with the devices you’ve already got in place.
What is an example of smart home automation?
You can automate a whole range of things in your home, but the big three are lighting, entertainment, and security.
With lighting controls, you can have your lights turned on or off automatically based on motion detection or a set schedule. This not only makes life easier but also helps keep those energy bills in check by ensuring lights are off when they’re not needed. Plus, you can get creative—imagine your lights flashing when someone rings the doorbell or when you get a phone call—all thanks to wireless automation!
In the entertainment realm, automation isn’t just about TVs and stereos. You can also have your surround-sound systems adjust automatically and even program your thermostats for optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Don’t forget about automated blinds, screens, or shutters to control how much sunlight filters into your space effortlessly.
When it comes to security, think of smart systems like monitored fire and carbon monoxide alarms that can send alerts to your smartphone if something’s amiss at home, keeping you connected and informed no matter where you are.
And the cherry on top? The latest smart devices are voice-activated. You don’t have to walk around with an extra remote or constantly pull out your phone to manage your home. Technology should be able to meet our needs. So, if you want to turn on the lights, a simple ‘turn on the lights,’ and you’re all set! It’s much better than the clapper from the 1980s, right?
How can smart homes help the elderly?
In conclusion, while smart homes have benefits for all of us, they are especially helpful to our aging population as well as those who have mobility issues.