According to the US Census Bureau, 10,000 Americans are turning 65 every day, and in order to live independently, nearly two-thirds of these adults rely exclusively on family members. Despite the help, independent living as we age is far from easy; it’s tough not only on the aged, but the family members, as well. That’s why innovative technologies, such as smart home device automation and monitoring, are finding their way into more and more senior residences. Which, of course, makes perfect sense. Smart devices can bring greater independence to those aging in place, as well as peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. Whether they’re used simply to “check in” on senior parents or as monitoring devices that can alert a designated person in the event of an emergency, smart home devices are now very much a part of an aging-in-place individual’s home.
Here are just a few of the ways that smart home technology can create a safer, more comfortable home… for everyone.
Safety
Motion-activated monitoring or simple door sensors are just a few of the non-invasive ways for family and caregivers to monitor the activities of the elderly while letting them maintain their privacy. A smart home system, when powered by an inexpensive controller/hub, such as an Ezlo PlugHub, can let you know, through push notifications on your phone, if grandma has left her bedroom or opened the medicine cabinet. It can also alert you if she hasn’t.
While standard smoke detectors are certainly a must-have in any home, why not opt for a bit more security and peace of mind? Pair any one of the Ezlo hubs with a smart smoke sensor and advanced monitoring services, and that sensor can be configured to automatically call the emergency services while also sending a push notification to a caregiver’s phone.
Comfort
Smart thermostats eliminate the difficulty of manually operating the thermostats for those with mobility problems, so they can regulate their room temperature to match their comfort and needs. Smart lighting is essential when it comes to avoiding hazards that may lead to falls, and they can be controlled either by other family members or through the convenience of a mobile app.
Automations bring the “smarts” out of smart home technology allowing seniors or their caregivers to create custom smart home scenes that activate automatically in certain circumstances. For example, some lights can turn automatically when motion is detected at night and turn completely off at sunset. Temperature can also be automatically regulated based on outside temperature or inside sensors, thus increasing the comfort and wellbeing of everyone in the premises.
Assistive Technologies
When you’re in pain or have some sort of difficulty with movement, something as simple as getting up from a chair to answer a knock on the door can be tough. This is where a device such as a video doorbell can come in handy. The video doorbell camera, for instance, allows you to not only see who’s at the door, but also talk with them on the phone… from anywhere.
Devices such as video doorbells, smart locks, remote keypads, and panic buttons, can all serve as simple solutions to increase the accessibility and security of the elderly. A traditional PERS device can call for help but if a person can’t get up due to a fall, emergency services must often break down the door. With a smart system, a temporary PIN code can be issued to open the smart lock and let in the EMT crew while you or the caregiver are still on the way there. This can be done by voice control or the touch of a button on a keypad or smartphone app.
These are just some of the ways that smart home technology can help those aging in place feel more independent and secure in their homes while also adding that extra bit of comfort through automation of indoor climate and lighting.
Smart home tech nowadays is simpler, safer, and more affordable than ever, which makes it more accessible than ever, too. If you’re looking to start a smart home for an older person you love, check out these Ezlo home automation devices. They’re a great way to get started. And a great way to make an aging loved one’s life a bit more secure and comfortable.
