Why Smart Homes can Make a Big Difference in Assisted Living

In the midst of controversies surrounding aged care facilities, assisted living using smart home automation is gaining popularity amongst the young caregivers in Australia. Australia has a considerable amount of aging population and it is predicted that in 30 years, one out of every four citizens will be over the age of 65.

Hence, assisted living is going through a major innovation with the use of smart home automation technologies. The application of smart home devices in assisted living is opening door to newer opportunities and possibilities.

Smart homes are integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) technology that can sense measurable changes in environment and movements to give a concerted response by communicating to different devices at home.

For example, as an elderly parent leaves a room, the lights and heating/cooling devices switch OFF and the pathway or the room they enter lights up automatically, while heating at ambient temperature turns ON and curtains pull down. Or, when it’s time for them to take medication or eat lunch, they are reminded of it by a smart speaker or change in colour of the lights.

There is a range of smart devices and appliances that can make daily lives of elderly parents secure, safe and more controlled while you are away. What’s even better is that most of these devices can be easily monitored and controlled from your smartphones.

Take a look at the range of smart devices that can assist elderly care.

1. Smart Caregiver Monitoring

Virtually visit your parents by using a smartphone app connected to a security camera. Smart video cameras installed near staircases, entrances, kitchen etc. can help you keep an eye on their safety.

If you are concerned about your parent moving from one room to another or falling down the stairs or leaving the stove ON in the kitchen, you can quickly check it on your smartphone and do the needful. Some smart cameras have motion sensors and alarm integrated that can detect intruders and trigger alarm while also sending out notifications to you.

2. Smart Motion Detectors

Motion sensors are extremely useful in setting up a smart home for assisted living or elderly care. Motion detectors connected to an intelligent hub like B.One Eazy Hub can help automatically turn lights ON if someone enters a room or turn them off if the room is unattended for long.

You can check if there are normal movements happening by setting the motion sensors to detect movements. You can keep tabs on whether the loved one has entered the kitchen, opened the refrigerator or taken their medications.

3. Smart Speakers (Google Home and Amazon Alexa)

Using a multi-device control hub like B.One Eazy, smart speakers can help elderly people become more independent by voice commanding tasks. They can easily switch ON/OFF lights or ACs or other devices without moving an inch.

They can also answer the door through a smart security camera and speakers from where they are. Importantly, it helps them achieve their daily goals more easily and live with a sense of independence and pride.

 

4. Smart Kitchen

There is a range of smart devices for the kitchen that can put you to ease as you are away from home. Smart ovens have set menus that can cook food entirely for your elderly parents as per need.

Smart kettles automatically brew tea or coffee when they wake up. Some smart devices are designed to keep an eye on the stove. These devices automatically turn off the stove if it is left unattended for too long. Additionally, these also send notifications to you if such auto shut-offs occur more than a few numbers of times in a day.

5. Smart Clocks

Smart clocks like Reminder Rosie are excellent devices which can be programmed to remind your elderly parents when it is time to eat lunch, take medications, feed a pet or do just about anything. These clocks voice out the reminders in a human voice so your parents can connect easily. In fact, you can record the reminder in your own voice making the reminders sound very comforting to your parents.

Essentially, smart homes allow your elderly parents or loved ones to lead a safe, independent lifestyle. If designed carefully, smart homes provide excellent assisted living solutions while lessening your worry when you are miles away.

Powerful smart home controllers like B.One Eazy can bring the entire home under one control and aid easier management. While nothing can be as comforting as your presence, implementing safety and security at home using smart home technology can avoid the need for sacrificing their independence for safety.