Smart Technology for Enhancing Your Senior’s Safety at Home
Ensuring the safety and comfort of your aging loved one can quickly become a top priority, especially when you cannot be with them at all times. Fortunately, advancements in smart home technology are making it easier than ever to create a secure and supportive environment for aging adults.
From comprehensive security systems to devices that offer immediate emergency assistance, these innovations can help ensure seniors remain protected and secure in the comfort of their home.
4 Smart Home Devices to Protect Seniors
Smart devices offer an extra layer of security and peace of mind when it comes to protecting your loved one at home.
If you’re concerned about your aging loved one’s home environment, take a look at some of these options for digitally managing their well-being:
1. Smartphone as a Remote Control
With a few low-cost purchases, your loved one (or you) can use simple mobile apps to control items around the house through Wi-Fi remotely.
- Smart plugs are small adapters for individual electrical outlets. Forgot to turn off the TV? Want to turn on a bedroom fan? No problem—use the phone app to switch outlets on/off, schedule a timer, or end power to specific appliances.
- Smart lighting connects light bulbs, wall switches, and dimmers. You can turn lights on and off, set timers, increase or decrease lighting levels for any time of day, or illuminate a doorway, all from a smartphone.
- Remote thermostats link the home’s heating and cooling systems. You can adjust the temperature from anywhere, monitor levels in real-time, track energy usage with simple reports, or train it to learn your loved one’s daily routines. The energy savings can pay back the initial cost in just a few months, and many utility companies offer rebates to cover the purchase price.
Related reading: Best Apps and Digital Tools to Help You as a Caregiver
2. Voice Commands for Communication
In some homes, Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri are almost a part of the family. With just a few spoken words, users can play a favorite song, order a meal delivery or rideshare service, or answer trivia questions.
Voice-enabled products are also a great way for older adults with low vision or limited mobility to do all sorts of voice-activated tasks without searching for separate devices:
- Schedule audible medication reminders
- Read emails and other text aloud
- Activate lighting and electronics
- Dial phone numbers and connect video calls
- Alert emergency services
Related reading: Seniors Embracing Technology to Communicate
3. Home Safety Monitoring from Afar
If your senior lives in an older home or has trouble changing the smoke alarm batteries, digital monitoring systems can offer peace of mind. Remotely, you can stay on top of risks such as:
- Fire alarms
- Smoke detectors
- Gas or water leaks
- Carbon monoxide and radon levels
- Indoor air quality
You can continuously monitor issues, get immediate status reports, schedule maintenance reminders, and set up automatic alerts for emergencies through smart technology.
Related reading: 4 Ways to Improve an Indoor Environment for Seniors
4. Home Security Enhancements
The AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative lists home safety as the first tier of tech associated with living independently. Regardless of their location, seniors who live on their own may feel uncomfortable or unsafe due to fear or forgetfulness.
Installing home security devices can easily be a do-it-yourself project if you have the right tools. You can choose everything from individual products to whole-house protection:
- Motion detectors that aren’t triggered by pets or birds
- Sensors that detect door or window movement
- Smart locks for exterior doors
- Wireless doorbell, window, and indoor cameras
- Wired interior and exterior security cameras
If your loved one has mobility or cognitive limitations, their home security system can automatically connect with emergency services in life-threatening situations. For more protection, a professional security company can monitor and react to alarms in real-time and relay vital information to first responders before they arrive.
Related reading: Home Security Tips to Keep Seniors Safe
Take Advantage of Tech to Reduce Caregiver Stress
Always-on technology can make your life as a family caregiver a little easier. Work with your loved one to try new apps and devices. Once you get connected, you can feel closer even when you can’t be there in person.
Whatever smart products you choose, be sure to protect personal information by reviewing the default privacy settings and opting out of unwanted data sharing.