Benefits of a Smart Home For Seniors

As the last of the Baby Boomers reach senior citizen status, the number of aging adults who are living alone is reaching peak numbers. By the year 2025 more than 20% of the population will be at retirement age. Although a majority of these seniors want to age at home, not all of them will be able to care for themselves, and many aging seniors will wind up struggling to get by.

As it becomes more difficult for an aging senior to manage alone, there may be a noticeable change in hygiene and appearance, memory, mobility, ability to keep up with housekeeping and yard work, mail, and social activity.  Many seniors try to hide their failing abilities. They often know they need help but are afraid of winding up in a care home or nursing facility or putting family members out.

Smart Speakers

Over the past decade, several devices have become available that can make aging at home safer and more secure.  The entry point is to choose a smart home device or smart speaker, like Amazon Echo or Apple or Google Home. A smart speaker is a voice-controlled device that combines the functionality of a traditional speaker with the capabilities of a virtual assistant

• The smart speaker will allow you to control lights, thermostat, door locks, security systems, and other appliances with just a simple voice command, depending on the add-ons you choose.
• Smart speakers allow you to listen to music with access to all of the popular streaming services, letting you request specific songs, playlists, artists or genres.
• Listen to podcasts, audiobooks and radio stations. Televisions can also be voice controlled if the speaker is integrated with a smart TV.
• Get the weather forecast, hear the latest news, find out the date and time, play trivia games.
• Manage schedules and calendars, set reminders and alarms, create to-do lists, set up appointments and jot down notes to help keep things organized.
• Some devices can be configured to automatically text or call a relative or other third party, as well as 911, on command.

A smart home device can give aging seniors a sense of security and peace of mind. It can make life easier for seniors who want to remain independent, without sacrificing safety or comfort, and it can provide a sort of virtual companionship.

Caregiver Support

Caregivers, whether a family member, or professional caregiver, can also benefit from a smart home device.  Connecting a remote home monitoring system can help caregivers identify subtle changes in an older adult's health and behavior. Using motion sensors, door sensors, and sometimes even cameras, these in-home systems collect data about the care recipient's activity and alert caregivers to changes or emergencies.

Smart Speaker Set Up

In addition to the smart speaker itself, you will need a smartphone or tablet to set up the speaker by using the app for the digital assistant. If you don’t have a smartphone, then a friend, relative or caregiver can use theirs to set up the smart speaker for you. You may also be able to set up the speaker through a website on a computer.

All speakers require Wi-Fi access to operate, so you’ll need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network in order to use one.

Choosing Add-on Devices

As you explore the options, think about the add-on devices you’ll appreciate most and what you will feel comfortable using on a daily basis. If you don’t feel confident making the choices on your own, enlist a family member, caregiver, or ask a service representative to provide guidance.

Be aware that if you want to only have to use one app, all your add-on devices must be compatible with the same smart platform, such as Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Home, or Apple.

Add On Devices

Smart-home devices aren’t a replacement for human care, but they can be a great tool when a caregivers can’t be around in person. They provide a 24/7 connection to help ensure safety, assist with daily tasks, and allow them to connect with others.

Add-on devices include:

• Home security with cameras and voice capability for communicating or for monitoring home activities. Although you can start small and build up a smart home as your time and budget allow, do-it-yourself home security systems include many of the devices that are essential in one package. Some systems offer other helpful add-on devices, such as water-leak sensors, key fobs, glass-break sensors, and panic buttons.

  Adding a professional monitoring plan to a security system connects you to a live person from a call center who will alert you directly. If you’re unreachable, they’ll notify your emergency contact. The call center can also contact the police or fire department if needed.

• Smart lighting allows you to put lighting on schedules, have the lights triggered by movement or other devices, or simply turn lights on and off as needed using a voice command or a smartphone.
• Smart plugs alleviate the need to physically manipulate switches for devices such as table lamps, heaters, and fans
• A smart doorbell camera allows you to screen whoever comes to the door from anywhere in the world, regardless of whether the guest rings the bell. When someone rings the bell, you hear it at home but also receive a smartphone notification. From there, you can opt to answer the door remotely or just keep a record of who is coming and going—and how long they hang around.
• An indoor camera provides peace of mind when you’re not home, whether you want to monitor your property or your pet. For caregivers, it allows you to remotely monitor home visits, movement, and whether someone is taking their medicine.

Smart Speakers are not expensive with prices beginning at less than $40. Reconditioned smart speakers are available as are used smart speakers. Many Medicare plans now cover smart home devices for seniors living alone. Stepping into the technology that will increase your safety and health, or that of your aging loved one is available for all.

A Professional Caregiver

A professional caregiver can be an important part of your support system when you are working on living your best life. A professional caregiver can provide care and companionship for you or a loved one in the comfort of your home. A caregiver can help you to set up your smart home. You can find a professional caregiver through our website whether you need someone full-time, or for just a few hours a week. Right at Home will work with you to select the perfect, qualified, professional caregiver to make sure that your loved one’s needs are met. Each caregiver is screened and bonded to ensure professionalism. Our unique five-step process will provide just the right fit for your family. Contact us today at 631.352.0022 and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.