The Benefits of Smart Homes for the Elderly

The Smart home is becoming increasingly popular, and the elderly population is no exception. Smart homes have numerous benefits for older people including increased safety and security, easier access to help in case of an emergency, more independence and freedom, greater peace of mind for caregivers and increased social interaction and activities.

Security Systems for Safety:

Smart home devices can provide a layer of protection and security for the elderly. Features such as motion sensors, emergency alert systems, smart locks, and automated lighting help keep seniors safe by monitoring their environment and providing additional security measures. With these features in place, a smart home tech can alert family members or caregivers if an elderly person is in distress or has left their home unexpectedly.

Reduced Risk of Falls:

Keeping active through little-and-often exercise can help reduce the risk of falls and other accidents. Smart home tech can help by providing remote monitoring and reminders to stay active. With smart home devices, a caregiver or family member can remotely remind an older person to take regular walks and other small exercises.

Automated lighting can light up pathways to help seniors find their way in the dark and help prevent slips and falls. They also add to the home security system by alerting the homeowner to people moving around on the property.

A fall detection device can be a very useful addition to the smart home.  These devices are worn as watches or on a lanyard around the neck. When the device senses a fall, it can alert family members or caregivers and help speed up the response time in case of an emergency.

Other Smart Home Devices Making it Easier Access to Help:

Smart home devices provide seniors with an easier way to get assistance when needed. An emergency medical alert system, medical monitoring devices and sensors can quickly notify caregivers or family members if there is a problem, allowing them to intervene quickly or call the emergency services if necessary.

Smart Home Technology for More Independence and Freedom:

There are many smart home solutions for older adults. Everyday tasks can be automated using a smart device, such as smart door locks to allow carers access but keep out unwanted visitors. Other useful smart devices include:

• A smart pet feeder can ensure the family pet doesn’t get forgotten.
• A robot vacuum cleaner can also help keep their home clean without the need for a heavy vacuum cleaner.
• Smart blinds and curtains can be installed for those with mobility challenges to avoid the risk of injury when pulling curtains on and off.
• Smart technology can also provide older people with access to entertainment such as music, TV and books.

Many older people are keen to stay in their homes and keep their independence but they may not be able to cope with all the aspects of running a home such as cleaning, shopping and paying bills. Smart technology can help the elderly stay independent by automating daily tasks such as scheduling appointments and ordering groceries online.

Smart Devices for Greater Peace of Mind for Caregivers:

Caregivers often worry about their elderly family members when they are not with them. Smart technologies can provide peace of mind for caregivers by allowing them remote access. They can check in on the elderly person from anywhere, at any time and even be notified if they leave the house unexpectedly with monitors on the front door and smart cameras or via video doorbells.

Security Cameras and Video Doorbells:

Smart Cameras, and other security smart home devices such as video doorbells, are great additions to a home security system. They allow family members or caregivers to monitor the home remotely, enabling them to check in on the elderly person when they’re away from home. This helps provide peace of mind for both the elderly person and their caregivers.

Smart Thermostats Comfort and Safety:

Keeping your home at a good temperature is vital as we get older. According to Age UK “Cold temperatures can be very dangerous to older people’s health as they not only increase the likelihood and severity of flu, chest infections and other respiratory problems but they also raise blood pressure which puts people at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes”.

Smart thermostats can also be programmed to keep the home at an ideal temperature throughout the day and night. This helps elderly people remain comfortable in their own homes as well as reduce the risk of illness.

Smart Lighting:

Smart lights are an innovative technology that brings many benefits to the elderly or infirm. Smart plugs and smart light bulbs are specifically designed with accessibility and conveniences in mind, making them ideal for seniors who want to enjoy the benefits of smart lighting. Smart plugs allow users to control any existing lamps so there’s no need to make drastic changes to decor. 

Furthermore, smart bulbs allow individuals to adjust the brightness of their lights depending on their needs. Not only does this make it easier for seniors to access bright light when desired, but it also helps conserve energy and save money over time. Smart lighting options available today can reap enormous benefits for greater independence and convenience.

Virtual Assistants are a must:

Virtual assistants are increasingly being used to make life easier for older people. They can help simplify tasks, like turning on a light, with voice commands through smart home assistants. A smart speaker can also be used to access music, radio, and news as well as to set reminders or make calls. Virtual assistants can also be used to answer questions about the weather or local information.

Not only does a virtual assistant provide convenience for those who may not be as tech-savvy as younger generations, but voice control provides an accessible way to control smart devices and therefore their environment, with few steps. For example, voice control allows users to adjust the brightness of their smart bulb from across the room with a single voice command. In summary, voice-controlled virtual assistants offer elderly people an easy way to keep up with modern technology while staying safe and independent.

Voice Assistants for Limited Sight:

A device with voice command is also easier for those with impaired sight or limited movement of the hands, allowing voice commands for smart devices rather than having to grapple with a hand held electronic device.

They are becoming increasingly popular among older people who want a convenient way to stay connected with family and friends but do not necessarily have access to technology such as smartphones or tablets. Virtual assistants are also great for those with memory issues, as they can provide reminders or information like medication instructions when prompted.

Increased Social Interaction and Activities:

Smart home technology can help seniors stay socially active through virtual activities. Smart devices such as Alexa and Google Home can provide entertainment such as music, audiobooks and games. They can also be used to make video calls with family and friends, allowing the elderly to stay connected while they are physically apart.

Remote Monitoring:

Not only does a smart home allow you to control smart home devices it allows you to monitor activity. Many smart home devices can be monitored remotely from a mobile device. This allows a family member to keep an eye on activity in the house. A smart kettle for instance could be monitored to indicate that your relative is up and about in a morning. 

Smart Home Hubs:

It is important to ensure that all of the smart devices in a home are connected to a compatible Smart Home Hub. A Smart Home Hub serves as a central control point for all the compatible devices in your home, allowing you to manage and monitor them from one location. 

Many older people may not be tech-savvy or comfortable with setting up and managing their own hub, so you may want to get a professional to install the equipment. After all, if your relative’s smart pill dispensers or medical alert system is relying on the hub and wifi, you want to make sure it is done correctly.

In conclusion, smart home technology offers a wide range of benefits for seniors, including increased independence and convenience as well as improved safety and security. Smart lighting, virtual assistants, and remote monitoring are just a few examples of the many ways smart home technology can enhance the lives of the elderly and allow them to remain in their own homes.

Smart Homes for Elderly Relatives – Getting it Right:

Smart home technology is constantly evolving and there are thousands of different devices out there to suit all budgets, needs and levels of technical expertise. The key is finding the right devices for a relative’s needs and making sure they understand how it works so they can get the best from their many smart devices.

Here at SMS we can help you create a smart home solution perfect for you and your loved one. Contact us now.