From the ability to instantaneously contact anyone, anywhere, at any time, to the convenience of having the world’s knowledge at your fingertips, technology has changed the way we go about our daily lives. Likewise, a smart home for your loved ones provides tremendous benefits for them to age in place comfortably and independently.
What Is a Smart Home?
These are houses with technologically advanced systems in place to enable and automate higher security, easier communication, and domestic tasks, through systems or devices built into the structure itself. Upgrading a residence to a smart home can be as simple as setting up a connected speaker for some homeowners, while for others, it can mean linking various devices, such as speakers, home monitors, door locks, televisions, security systems, thermostats, lights, appliances like refrigerators and coffee makers, among many others.
A smart home’s devices are interconnected and are accessible through one central point – a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or even a game console, through voice commands, automation, or using artificial intelligence to create time schedules for certain changes to take effect.
Smart Homes Can Detect Emergencies
Smart home systems aren’t only for the tech-savvy. As an enabler of health and well-being enhancement, smart homes have been geared to accommodate people with special needs, including older individuals. These devices can be programmed to automate simple and helpful functions and tasks normally handled by humans such as these:
- Big fire and gas leaks
Smoke and gas detectors respond quickly and reliably to actual danger. For example, once it detects carbon monoxide or smoke, a loud voice alert will be triggered to let you know which room the danger is in and that a siren will be triggered shortly. It also sends smartphone alerts, which you can set up to go to family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers. - Water leaks
Alarms can lessen the impact of plumbing problems by alerting you the moment they’re detected. These sensors are installed in areas where potential leaks may happen – by the toilet, sink, tub, or water heater. - Break-ins
Door and window contact sensors help to lock the doors and windows at specific times of the day.
- Serious injuries due to falls
Wearable electronic devices like smartwatches can provide on-call monitoring and alerting an emergency contact when it detects one has taken a hard fall.
A Smart Home Is Crucial for Your Loved Ones
Due to their technical nature, smart home systems have a perceived complexity, especially to Baby Boomers. They are either averse to using technology in their lives or will give up on it with the first inconvenience they encounter. However, its benefits most undoubtedly outweigh its inconveniences by a long shot, which is why it is beneficial to discuss with your loved ones how technology can improve their lives, with reasons such as:
- Saving energy and money
- Convenience
- Security and safety
- More entertainment
Consider Setting Up a Smart Home for Your Loved Ones
The new world of smart home technology is an exciting one. As the industry continues to grow, so will the offerings available and their impact on you and your loved ones’ daily lives.
To learn more about senior living programs at TerraBella Windsor Lake or to book a tour with us, call us at 803-902-4017 today!
