Haitham Soci, regional general manager of Aravida Lifestyles, which operates senior living communities in Ottawa, Canada, says smart home technology is an essential part of an aging population.
“There are countless smart home tools that can help with almost every level of home maintenance,” Soci says. “With the right gadgets and devices, smart people can stay home longer and continue to live independently and comfortably than if they don't have access to devices.”
Smart home upgrades to consider
Are you ready to add some smart home upgrades to your space to keep it from aging? These popular devices and appliances are a great place to start.
smart hub
Smart Hub allows you to control multiple smart devices such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Samsung SmartThings through a command center. A smart hub stays connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. A smart hub lets you turn your home's lights on and off, lock and unlock your doors, and control your smart TV and other (compatible) smart devices.
Smart hubs may use voice activation through Amazon Alexa or another voice assistant. They often have a touchscreen display or an app that comes with a smartphone.
smart lighting
Smart light fixtures and bulbs allow you to remotely turn on and off the lights in your home using sensors or through a smart hub with voice activation and other controls.
“Smart lighting options allow seniors to turn lights on and off with just a voice command, without having to search for a light or lamp switch,” says Abramson. You can also turn your smart lights on and off remotely to enhance home security while you're away.
smart stove and oven
According to a report from the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking was the leading cause of cooking-related fires and deaths in 2020. Additionally, about 25% of deaths from stove fires occurred while people were sleeping.
Smart stoves, such as the iGuard Stove, can be adjusted to automatically turn off if not used for at least five minutes. Smart stoves and ovens have remote access to turn the appliance on and off, as well as gas sensors, timers, and activity monitors to help family members or caregivers know when the stove is left on. warn you.
doorbell and smart lock
Video doorbells like Ring add extra security to your home and can connect to compatible smart hubs. These doorbells connect to an app on your smartphone and notify you when someone comes to your front door or enters designated boundaries in your yard or street. Many video doorbells record and store video footage.
Smart locks, on the other hand, can lock and unlock your door remotely using a smart hub, voice commands, or your smartphone. “Smart lock systems help seniors when family members are checking in because they don’t need a key, just a password, code, or the ability to unlock the system from an app. ” says Soci.
Surveillance camera
Smart home security cameras use your home's Wi-Fi connection to send video images to your smartphone and save them to the cloud or a digital storage device. Smart cameras can help you keep an eye on your home while you're away. As you get older, family members (with your permission) can also access smart cameras to monitor falls and other emergencies.
emergency alert system
Many medical alert systems require users to wear a pendant, watch, or other wearable, so in the event of a fall or medical emergency, the company can monitor you by pressing a button or speaking. Alerts can be sent to the center.
These systems typically use landline or mobile phone networks. However, some medical alert systems, such as Aloe Care Health, work through voice activation in the home using their own hubs. Other emergency alert systems, such as Lively, can connect to Alexa's voice-activated software when you need help.
You may also be interested in home medical alarm systems from our featured partners
Medical Guardian MG Classic
Services start at $29.95 per month In-home range of 1,300 feet Emergency translation service available in 70 languages Automatic fall detection available for an additional $10 per month
bay alarm medical home medical alarm
Services start at $24.95 per month All packages include your choice of wristband or necklace alert wearable 24/7 live agents initiate two-way conversations, assess situations, and ensure a response There is no minimum contract period.
GetSafe Medical Alert System
Equipment costs start at $79, and services start at $27.95 per month. The medical alert button is 100% waterproof and has a 5-year battery life. Help is available by pushing a button, pulling a cord, or simply saying, “Call 9-1-1.” Please call 9-1-1. ” No landline required
Mobile Help Classic
Services start at $19.95/month Remote activation with 1400 feet range Waterproof help button No landline required
LifeFone Home Landline Phone
Service starts at $24.95 per month 1,300 feet of in-home range and 1,300 feet of wearable button range Includes 32-hour backup battery Free system activation
(Note: Product details and prices are accurate at time of publication and are subject to change.)
smart drug dispenser
Smart medication dispensers help you avoid dosing errors that can lead to injury or death. Many dispensers can store up to 90 days' worth of multiple medications loaded by you, your pharmacist or caregiver, and some work with proprietary smart hubs or smartphone apps. That way, you can track when you or your loved one takes your medication and receive alerts if you miss a dose.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Smart smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors sense environmental hazards and send alerts to your smartphone app. For example, Google Nest Protect uses on-app lights, colors, loud beeps, and smartphone notifications to alert you to smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide leaks.