Smart homes have gained a lot of popularity over the years. They have revolutionized the world of technology and made lives easier by allowing home automation. Among all other benefits, it has proven to be extremely beneficial for older citizens. It has also reduced the risk of accidents that there may be for older people in the absence of an attendant with smart devices installed. The elderly also feel sad and depressed very often as they may feel lonely with the absence of people around them because of their hectic and busy schedules and timetables. That’s where smart devices step in to alleviate these concerns. Some of the Best Smart Home Devices for Elderly according to popularity among users are the following:
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers are a very helpful device for senior citizens. Since they have a weak memory, smart speakers allow them to keep track of doctor’s appointments and other scheduled tasks. They also make it easier for them to call for help in case of an emergency. As the senior citizens in the house, they might also feel isolated as others around them get busier with work and other commitments. Smart speakers can help with the situation by allowing them to easily connect with their loved ones by a mere voice command. Other features like Alexa’s drop-in feature, you can leave a message with other Alexa users. You can also add a subscription to use with the smart speakers. The subscription will allow your grandparents to have reminders for medication, access to audiobooks, etc. They will not only make the day-to-day tasks easier and less mundane but will also allow your elders to spend a good time when you are away for work.
Detecting a Fall
Smart sensors are extremely helpful in detecting the presence of a person in a room. They are usually built-in with smart lights. As soon as someone enters the room, the lights are turned on; and as soon as they leave and the room is empty, the lights are turned off. Smart devices are also amazing at identifying schedules and routines and can detect the slightest change in your work routine. Similarly, they will also help your loved ones age gracefully. Smart sensors are also available to detect a fall. A fall can have dangerous consequences for the elderly. They may cause serious injuries that may lead to irreversible long-term danger in the future. Healing can become a tedious task for the body to cope up after a fall. This is why most hospitalizations of the elderly are due to fall. This device may help protect your elders from a fall, and in case of a fall, they can alert you at the earliest for prompt medical assistance.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are a pretty common smart device in the home because they are easier to operate and install. As far as the elderly are concerned, smart plugs allow amazing control over the devices which otherwise may require manual effort. The most important use of a smart plug is in a kitchen stove. If your grandma loves to cook exotic food, she may not be able to stand for long hours in front of the stove. With a smart plug, she may put the food on the stove and relax in the lounge or bedroom, and turn the stove off by using her smartphone. She can also set a timer and the smart plug will turn off as soon the timer sets off. Smart plugs are not only used with a stove but also for lights, fans, and TV, which allows further remote control over the home.
Smart Lights
Smart lights are another helpful device for the elderly. Smart lights can be controlled remotely with one tap on your phone even when you are away from home. While your grandparents may not go out much, getting out of bed every night to switch on or off the lights may be a struggle. In that case, smart lights do not need much manual effort and can be operated from home. Smart lights are easy to install and are not only helpful for the elderly but also save on your energy consumption and consequently reduce your electricity bills.
Smart Security Devices
Safety is a major concern for the elderly in your home. They do not have the reflexes to detect and respond to danger as they age. You may spend a lot of time worrying about how your grandparents are doing when you are out for work. Similarly, they may also feel uncomfortable staying alone at home. With smart locks, doorbells, and other smart devices, elders in your home feel a sense of security and safety when they are alone at home. You can also monitor when they leave or enter the house. When your grandparents are home, they may check you are coming into the house and who is going out. Visual confirmation allows them to trust smart security devices even more. Visual and audio controls allow attendants to also monitor the activity in the house.
Final Thoughts
Smart homes have a lot of benefits which is why they are becoming extremely popular in the US. However, they have added advantages as one progresses to older age and encounters trouble with mobility and memory. Not only does it help in completing mundane tasks automatically but also gives them ways to keep themselves busy throughout the day after they retire from jobs.