We are an aging population with an increase in the number of 65 and older adults by over a third (34.2% or 13,787,044) in the past decade. And while we age, study also reveals that 90% of older adults prefer to stay in their homes rather than move to an assisted care facility.
There is no place like home, and technology has made it safer for the elderly to age in place. With the help of smart devices that connect to the internet, seniors can enjoy greater independence, safety, and convenience in their everyday lives.
Let’s look at this guide to smart home devices that can assist the elderly with routine tasks.
Benefits of a smart house for seniors
Smart devices can be appliances, tools, or plugs that connect to the internet and other similar devices in the house to allow remote management, such as switching on lights, detecting leaks, adjusting the thermostat, setting reminders for medicines, and communicating with caregivers in case of an emergency.
Usually, these devices connect to smartphones, tablets, or computers to make it easy for you to access them, give instructions, or receive reminders of appointments.
The most crucial thing while installing smart devices is strong internet connectivity with a Wi-Fi network that covers the entire home. Hence, this is what you may want to check and fix first before installing smart devices.
Let’s look at the benefits of having smart home devices as you or your loved ones age in place:
Safety
Seniors are an easy target for anti-social people, especially if you are living alone. Installing smart devices like smart cameras, smart doorbells, and smart locks can help in increasing safety.
Independence
Independence not only allows you to have control over your life but also boosts confidence. Smart appliances can help you reduce your dependence on other people. However, no technology can substitute personal caregiving when needed. At other times, why do you need someone making your morning coffee when you can do it with a tap on your smartphone?
Communication
Quick and efficient communication is one of the biggest boons of smart technology, especially in crises. You can program a smart device for yourself or your loved ones to alert the right people for prompt help and timely intervention in case of an emergency.
Peace of mind
Smart devices can remind you of important tasks, allow your loved ones to communicate and look after you and create a safe living space. All these contribute to peace of mind for you and your caregivers, knowing that there are systems in place to alert you in case anything goes wrong.
10 amazing home devices for smart senior living
Smart Pill Dispenser
Did you know that 77% of overdoses among the elderly were women? But thanks to its locking mechanism, a smart pill dispenser like the Live Fine Bluetooth Pill Dispenser can stop unintentional overdosing. It allows you to load your medications for 28 days. The smart device has an automatic pill delivery system with alarms, flashing lights, and alerts on your phone. The sophisticated system lets you set pill schedules up to 6 times a day. It is easy to program and connect with your phone or tablet to give alerts.
Fall detection sensors
Injuries caused by falls are a leading cause of hospitalization for seniors. To make your space safer, smart motion sensors in security systems and even some smart wearable devices can make sure caregivers are immediately alerted for timely help. The latest Apple Watch Series 6 is not only a stylish smartwatch to connect to your iPhone, but it has an enhanced fall detection program that alerts your emergency contacts in case of a fall. However, this dapper and super-smart device is an expensive buy.
Smart Locks
Smart Locks are a wonderful invention as they allow you to lock and unlock your home remotely. Moreover, you can easily grant access to a care provider, neighbor, or first responder from the connected device without having to leave your bed or chair. The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt can even connect to your home’s smart hub like the Apple HomeKit or Amazon’s Alexa to give voice commands. You can lock and unlock from anywhere by setting up an access code on your smartphone.
Bed step stools with motion-activated LED light
For many older adults, getting in and out of bed can be challenging, especially at night when they are more prone to slips and falls due to poor lighting. Smart devices like the Step2bed have a solution to this problem. This stable bed step stool for the elderly has a motion-activated LED light that illuminates the non-slip and wide landing step. The tall padded grab handles give additional support while stepping into bed or getting out.
Security Cameras
Smart security cameras let you remotely monitor what’s going on inside and outside your home. From simple video doorbells to several connected security devices, they bring you and your family peace of mind. The Arlo Pro 2 is one of the popular security cameras that captures details during the day and has infrared for night vision. It has sound and motion detector capability and two-way audio that not only lets you listen to what is going on outside but also enables you to talk through the camera with your smartphone.
Robotic Vacuum
Keeping the house clean can be a back-breaking job! Thankfully technology sorted this out a few years ago with robotic vacuum cleaners. These automatic dust busters ‘learn’ quickly using artificial intelligence and even charge themselves when low on battery. The IRobot Roomba is a popular choice as it connects with smart hubs like Alexa, works on different surfaces effortlessly, and even empties the dirt by itself!
Smart Kitchen Appliances
Smart devices make the kitchen safer and easier to use for seniors. From ovens to microwaves that you can turn on and off from your phone to refrigerators that tell you when to stock groceries, smart appliances integrate with voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. With these devices, you can effortlessly make your coffee the way you like it or check if you have switched off the gas stove.
Smart Leak Detector
Water leaks are a potential hazard for seniors. A burst pipe isn’t just a plumbing nightmare for your property; it can cause falls and serious injury. Smart leak detectors like Wasserstein WiFi Water Leak Sensors detect leakages around sinks, near pipes, washing machines, and dishwashers and alert your connected device.
Panic Button
While living alone can be very empowering and confidence-boosting for seniors, calling for help in medical emergencies or potential threats like robberies can get tricky. An emergency panic button like the Daytech Caregiver Pagers is a handy device to alert your caregivers in the house and call for help in case of emergencies.
Fitness Monitoring and Emergency Assistance Provider
Smart wearable devices have made fitness monitoring very easy and quick. Most also double up as emergency medical assistance providers. But a comprehensive medical alert system like Bay Alarm Medical can immediately connect you to caregivers and emergency services not only through smart connected devices but also your existing landline.
Final Thoughts
Living independently becomes easier for an aging generation if they expose themselves to the latest technology. Although it comes with a learning curve, smart technology in different spheres can surely improve the quality of life of seniors aging in place. With a bit of help from their loved ones, the elderly can adapt to smart devices and make the most of their golden years.
