How Can Smart Home Automation Be Helpful For Seniors?
Think of a situation where you wouldn't have to bother about getting up from the couch to adjust the thermostat or make sure the front door was locked. Although the majority of us take that convenience for granted, elders may not have had access to it up until recently.
The use of smart home technologies is not only beneficial to young people. A voice-controlled or app-controlled home can provide seniors with security, comfort, and connectivity, as well as functionality.
It is possible for elderly people to live independently in their cherished homes with well-being monitoring that is unobtrusive. As smart home sensors observe changes in routine, family members and caregivers can identify and anticipate problems before they arise.
Explore how smart home automation can benefit seniors by reading this blog:
How Smart Homes Can Solve Senior's Worries
Many families find it difficult to provide the level of assistance their seniors need to do so safely and independently. The time we spend with our loved ones is often limited. It might be unsettling to not know what your elderly loved ones are doing during the day.
Having an understanding of the challenges older people face and knowledge of how smart automation can assist them can set a loved one on the path to happy ageing. Therefore, automating your house into a smart home is very beneficial.
Here are some of the ways smart home automation can solve seniors' worries.
- Video Doorbells Suppose your loved one isn't expecting anyone when the doorbell rings. They might ponder whether or not it would be prudent to stand up to answer the door. It might also be harder to see the visitor through the peephole if they have started to shrink or stoop with age.
- Smart Door Locks Seniors can use a simple voice command or their smartphone if they have a smart door lock if there are visitors. In some circumstances, it is also possible to integrate the lock into the security system so that it locks as soon as the system is activated.
- Smart Watches A smart watch is essentially a small wearable device that is designed to seem like a wristwatch. Touch screen interface is provided by the smart watch, which also offers a variety of possible features like message notifications, GPS navigation, and calendar synchronisation.
Also, seniors are more prone to losing their balance, bruising, and breaking a bone since it causes bones to shrink and muscles to lose strength and flexibility. A fall is not always inevitable, and it is often preventable through knowledge, increased physical activity, and better housing.
An easy fix is provided by a smart video doorbell. As a result, seniors can use the doorbell's smartphone app to check who is at the door without getting up or unlocking the door, making it easier for them to stay independent. In fact, they are capable of having two-way audio conversations with each other.
Or perhaps the door can be automated to unlock when a senior's car arrives after running errands, according to a routine for home automation. A smart door lock's main advantage is the ability for you, a neighbour, or first responders to gain access quickly in an emergency. The ability to unlock smart door locks using geolocation rather than just scheduling is another advantage.
This will allow seniors to be independent despite their difficulties as many senior citizens are retired, and are experiencing significant health problems that interfere with their daily activities. Chronic health problems such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or stroke accounts for two-thirds of all deaths each year.
Smart watches will assist in monitoring the health state of elders with such disorders that require routinely taking their temperature, heart rate, and other vital signs. The smart watch can serve as a fitness tracker, counting your steps, measuring the distance travelled, monitoring your heart rate and pulse, keeping track of your sleep, and even some smart watches can calculate other crucial data you might require.
Why Should Seniors Invest In Smart Homes?
One of the most recent advancements in user-controlled technology is the smart home. They provide elders with greater independence and convenience than ordinary houses can offer. Smart houses are ideal for elders since they serve as contemporary havens. Check out these 5 reasons!
- Remote Access – Smart homes connect to a remote centre, such as a phone or tablet, to monitor and process the physical and medical information of elders. They have more independence when they have remote access to house systems like the television, lights, security, and thermostat.
- Alarms – A smart house is equipped with advanced security measures. A silent alarm system can be installed with several discrete cameras. There is also the option of connecting multiple devices and enabling user response. For instance, a senior citizen could remotely lock their car doors using their smartphone.
- Mobility Access – Smart homes are equipped with robotics and mobility aids to help the physically challenged or the ill move around more easily. And a sensor-embedded device does not interfere with their daily routines.
- Medication Reminders – Seniors can set up smart home gadgets to remind them to take their prescription, go to the doctor for a checkup, or remember appointments. A visual component is even included in some drug delivery systems to ensure patients are taking the right prescription and dosage.
- Smart Locks, Doorbells and Security systems – Seniors who wish to remain at home can do so with greater flexibility thanks to smart locks, doorbells, and security systems.
A doorbell or lock can keep you aware when your loved one enters or leaves the house. Moreover, they can be controlled remotely by others and offer visual proof of visitors. Caretakers can monitor activity in the house using security systems' visual and auditory tools.
The Bottom Line
Elderly now have more chances than ever to stay active, involved, and connected thanks to smart homes, which are revolutionising how they live. If you are looking for ways to help your loved ones save time, money, and feel safe in their homes, consider automating your house into a smart home.
Seniors don't need to be tech-savvy to benefit from the many advantages and conveniences of smart homes as most systems are designed for ease of use. A great way to ease your elders' lives is by providing them with this service.
Mohamed Zakhour
December 16, 2022