Looking for some Smart Home Tips? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. It’s a fact that home devices that use “smart” technology can help older adults stay at home longer and make their lives more comfortable and safe.
If family members aren’t able to be present in the home as often as they’d like, these devices permit families to watch the situation, keep an eye on, and some control the activities within the home of their loved ones.
Choosing the Technology
Technology for smart homes is swiftly expanding, which makes it difficult to locate the best ones for your loved ones.
Certain seniors are very well-versed in the field of technological advancements and devices that are smart. If they are in this category, they should be advised about the best devices to put in their home and for what function. Any technology, no matter how smart can be worth much that is not needed or not appreciated by seniors.
Tips on Setup
The majority of smart devices come with an app companion to allow setting up and allows users to control devices remotely. They need a Wi-Fi connection as well as the home of the senior must have enough bandwidth in case several devices or devices streaming video are utilized.
If you are planning on having multiple devices working together, ensure they are compatible with the same software for smart homes. Many smart devices are simple to setup (using the smartphone) and are able to send messages and, in many instances, offer the ability to control access remotely.
Security Systems
There are DIY home security systems that offer a variety of capabilities and alternatives:
- Sensors that determine the moment a window or door is left open
- Cameras
- Smoke detectors
- Motion sensors
- Sensors for water
- Glass break sensors
One do-it yourself device is one of the kits called Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit. Ring Protect plus Ring Protect Plus provides an illustration of a monitoring plan that provides an access point to live representative at a call center 24 hours a day, who can react to emergency situations and demands. (The ideal option if family members will be covering all hours of the night and day.)
Here are some Smart Home Tips that apply to Senior Home Safety
If a complete security solution isn’t necessary then you can pick from various alternatives:
Controls for thermostats and lights
Thermostats can be controlled by customized automated systems. They are also able to be voice or remotely controlled and monitored from afar.
Smart smoke detectors
When carbon dioxide or smoke is discovered, these devices emit an alarm that is loud and informs the occupants of the room the danger is located in. They also send out smartphone alerts to family members, friends or neighbours. A good example would be Google Nest.
Emergency contact systems
These systems are becoming more sophisticated. They can detect falls, and various types of cardiac arrest and can automatically call for help.
Communication devices
Amazon Echo Dot is a communication device. Amazon Echo Dot allows anyone to control it through spoken commands. Although it isn’t connected with the 911 system, it is able to connect to friends, family and even caregivers. Echo Show Echo Show is a smart speaker that comes with a built-in display and camera. Alexa in the Echo Show can be used to set reminders for medications and appointments. These devices are pretty common in smart homes.
Medication management
Other devices can be programmed to notify seniors know when it’s appropriate to take medication and also send notifications regarding appointment times and doctor checkups.
Digital pill dispensers like MedMinder give medications to elderly
The caregiver fills the tray remotely and schedules the time when medication is to be taken. The device is unlocked in accordance with the scheduled time to allow the medication and will sound a warning in the event that they aren’t taken. The family caregiver gets notified also.
Reminder Rosie is a talk-to-clock with the ability to be programed so that it reminds people to take their medication by recording a voice messages from caregivers. Individual messages may also be recorded using other reminders like “it’s time to exercise.”
Telemedicine permits health care providers to provide remote clinical health information and health services to patients through video and interactive telecommunications on devices such as smartphones, tablets and home computers as well as laptops. The link between care providers and patients is via a program or app, or a website with audio and video capabilities.
Leak detection sensors
Sensors that are smart and detect leaks in water can be installed in areas where leaks are most likely to occur: hot water heaters, tubs or sinks, etc. If water leaks are detected an alarm sound is heard and alerts to smartphones are sent.
Video doorbells
These devices permit video surveillance of any person who walks through the door of your loved ones. The message will be sent to the senior, as well as any family members via a mobile phones. This is one of those must have devices for a smart home.
Smart plugs
Smart plugs are controlled by an app that allows users to switch on or off every appliance plugs in the standard wall socket. They are found in many smart homes. This can be helpful if think that your loved one has switched off an appliance or forgot to turn an on-light to help them navigate through the night.
Smart plugs can also be turned on via voice commands so that elderly people can manage them while sitting in a couch or bed. The smart plugs are able to be placed on a schedule that will turn on at specific times, or be used in conjunction by a motion sensors in order to illuminate the dark hallway.
Smart refrigerators
Based on the features available in specific models the appliances are able to analyse the contents of your refrigerator (such as when you’re getting low on milk) and offer shopping suggestions. Certain models will notify you if the door of the refrigerator is opened. In addition phones of family members also get information about what’s in the refrigerator. Family members can also make and receive notes, and also create calendar entries which appear on the fridge’s display. Here’s a brief overview of certain models.
Cookers that are smart
With the iGuardCooker monitor can detect motion (or the absence thereof) inside the kitchen, and it can determine whether the stove is turned on or off. If no activity is detected inside the kitchen during a predetermined duration of time, the cooktop will be closed.
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I trust that you find these smart home tips useful. If you did, feel free to share this article (or leave a comment below).
Watch this space for updates in the Hacks category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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