Aging In Place with Smart Technology Products
One of the greatest obstacles to “aging in place” is maintaining a home environment conducive to the gradual decline in physical ability that happens to us all. Things like decreased vision, mobility, and strength, and an increased risk of falls. While the idea of implementing new smart technology for older adults can sound overwhelming, the truth is that this technology can be simple and intuitive. It needs little management once programmed.
So what are we talking about exactly? There are a number of ways you can help loved ones stay in the comfort of their homes while giving you peace of mind. Check out a few ways you can use smart technology for older adults that you may not have considered before.
Smart Sockets
Likely one of the easiest, most common options include smart sockets that monitor home appliances. These devices can send alerts to the home owner or another caregiver when the appliance has been left on. Sensors can be added to just about anything you can imagine. This includes water leaks, a gas leak, even help avoid scalding by detecting if bath water is too hot.
Automated or Programmable Thermostats
Temperature in the home can be set automatically, according to the room and time of day. This helps homeowners stay comfortable while also adding cost-saving automation to conserve energy and help to reduce utility bills.
Lighting Controls
Smart lighting can detect movement, lighting the way out of bed to the bathroom, down the stairs at night, or alerting the hearing impaired that someone is at the door. This can be especially important as homeowners may have challenges finding light switches. Automated lighting can help to turn on lights automatically when they enter a room.
Safety
Access control systems allow homeowners to see and interact with whomever is at the door without ever opening it. If a homeowner has mobility issues, they can control access by unlocking doors when needed without ever leaving the comfort of their seat. Especially helpful for deliveries, home health staff, cleaning staff, or when unexpected guests arrive.
Presence Sensors
Similar to lighting, presence sensors can control the temperature in a room as well as lighting and other electronic functions like audio, entertainment, shading, and other functions when it senses a presence in the room. Not only that, these technologically-advanced tools start to “learn” the homeowner’s behavior and can predict when to apply certain functions based on movements around the home and scheduling,
Alerts
Perhaps one of the most important features that come with many smart technology products is the alerts feature. Setting alerts and notifications to notify a caregiver is one way to track an older homeowner’s behavior and activity. For example, if the presence sensors don’t record any activity in the bathroom or kitchen then it can alert someone to check in on the homeowner. Another example is if the lighting has not turned off for a long period of time, a homeowner may be in distress and cannot move to another room.
As you can imagine, this is just the tip of the iceberg! According to Loxone.com, technology can:
- Promote independence and autonomy
- Improve confidence and quality of life for elderly people and those with disabilities
- Help manage potential risks in and around the home
- Help with memory and recall with visual and audible reminders
- Offer a non-intrusive way of monitoring loved ones
- Provide reassurance to carers and relatives
These are all ways of gaining peace of mind while caring for someone who wishes to stay in their home. Of course, one single technology isn’t right for everyone, which is why Intelligent Living Solutions tailors solutions to meet your specific needs. Interested in the possibilities? Visit out Experience Center to see for yourself how technology can increase you and your loved ones’ safety, security, and quality of life.
