A support system, either from a family member, caregiver, or a facility, has always been opted for to accommodate the common physical frailties of age that seniors eventually have to experience.
But thanks to the continuous developments in user-controlled technology and assistive domotics, the daily lives of the elderly can be made more convenient, safer, and even more social. Here are ten reasons why smart-home gears can greatly help seniors.
Automation
The odds of seniors falling and getting injured can be avoided with the help of “assistive domotics” or home automation for the elderly or disabled. They make what seemed to be difficult daily tasks for seniors easier.
For example, smart lights automatically turn on and off when the seniors are nearby or on the schedule. In addition, smart refrigerators automatically reorder staples for seniors when they are about to run out.
Voice Control
Most devices are tricky to use for the elderly. For example, seniors with vision problems might have difficulty using a keyboard. Others who have fine motor problems, like tremors, might also find managing the screen troublesome.
For those with mobility situations, constantly getting up to change a TV channel or a song could be challenging too. However, with voice command technology, seniors can avoid all of these. Voice interfaces are a lot easier and safer for them.
Digital Assistance
Doing groceries, refilling prescriptions, or taking out food can be conveniently done with a virtual assistant. Whatever the senior had requested will be delivered at their front door. The only thing seniors need to do is give a voice command to the VA or press the command on the screen.
Proactive Technology
Smart home assistants can compensate, if not completely aid, the pesky senior moments of the elders too. For example, if grandma lost track of time, virtual assistants can give verbal reminders like “Grandma, it’s time for lunch.” In addition, they have pre-programmed automation, so they proactively do a Saturday family call if grandma forgot to do the call herself.
Assistive Technology
Many smart devices can wirelessly connect to a hearing aid. They assist seniors with hearing problems. With these smart, personalized hearing aids, seniors can avoid turning up the TV loudly or missing calls, doorbells, or alarms. Since they aid seniors in hearing well, seniors’ ability to talk with others is also improved.
There are also mobility assistance devices in the market, like robots, that assist physically incapable seniors. These products have different sensors, so they will not impede seniors’ everyday routine.
Health Monitoring
Several facilities offer 24-hour care support for the elderly. Take White Oak Respite Care, Perth, as an example. But cases like full bookings can happen, so they are not readily available sometimes. This is where smart wearable or implantable devices come in handy. They can give you 24-hour monitoring of your seniors. These are very helpful in case of emergency.
Socialization
Smartphones and tablets help seniors constantly keep in touch with their loved ones and close friends, even from afar. This socialization can help the elderly combat feelings of isolation and depression.
We can easily configure smartphones and tablets depending on the seniors’ needs. For example, we can turn a phone’s buttons or texts larger so that visually impaired seniors can easily read them. These devices can also read messages themselves, so the seniors do not have to squint over tiny texts.
Entertainment
Seniors can also pass the time and enjoy movies and TV shows, games, and hobby apps with their smart equipment. What’s more, most of these smart devices have pre-installed apps, so seniors do not have to do the installation.
Security Measures
Seniors do not have to keep losing their keys anymore. With smart security, seniors only need their codes, fingerprints, or faces to get into their homes. This security also informs direct family members of whoever visited the elderly.
Smart security can immediately detect break-ins, fires, or carbon monoxide leaks. It can also proactively provide real-time security notifications to the seniors’ families and the authorities. This significantly reduces the potential injuries, theft, and fatalities.
Remote Surveillance and Adjustments
Most seniors experience impaired cognition. For example, they are likely to leave the windows or doors ajar, forget to turn off the tap, or leave pans with burners on, resulting in possible close calls.
The good thing is, with a smart home, family members and caregivers can access and operate smart household functions remotely. They can also remotely monitor the elderly. Remote surveillance offers them peace of mind should the seniors ever wander toward potentially dangerous places.
Takeaway
Making your home smart and automated does not only provide convenience and safety. Most smart devices are also designed to consume less energy, so that is a less monthly bill for you and less carbon footprint emitted to the environment.
