Did you know that home automation is essentially age in place technology? Home automation that is designed to make our lives easier can also help us to age easier!
Do you usually pass by someone doing a technology demo? Next time, stop and learn if it can have a benefit for you.
When planning to age in place in your home, here are 5 age in place technologies I think everyone should explore putting in there home! These devices can keep you safe, keep you active and keep you socially connected.
5 Home Automations to Help You Age in Place
1. Voice Assistant
Whether you are using Alexa or Google Home or Amazon Echo, all of these devices can assist you to age in place. From keeping track of grocery lists, reminding to take medication, or turning off and on lights – you’ll find these devices can be helpful in a number of ways. Especially in the field of dementia, where a person may be able to give a voice command but can maybe no longer understand the numbers to dial a phone. These voice recognition devices can help in a number of ways.
2. Programmable Thermostats
Whether you suffer from arthritis or just a little groggy when you wake up, having a programmable thermostat means you can auto set the temperature to be lower at night for optimal sleep. Then it can start warming up your home half an hour before you get out of bed, so you aren’t shivering when you first get up. This can also help save on energy costs, especially if you are away a lot during the day. Some thermostats can even be connected to security systems, so as you leave the house the temperature drops and as you return home, the temperature increases again.
3. Light Controls
Many falls are caused by lack of light – going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, or having arms full as you go the laundry room. Voice activated lights can either work on their own or be part of a voice activated system. Now you can turn on lights before getting out of bed, or yell to the stairway lights to turn on as you come with a loaded laundry basket. Voice controlled lighting can increase your safety. Motion sensor lighting on front step is ideal if you got home later than expected. Or set up motion activated lighting on your steps. There is an abundance of opportunities to work with different lighting control options.
4. Flood Sensors
I find water sensor or flood control devices are especially helpful for those who maybe don’t go into their basement much due to mobility issues. If you aren’t routinely inspecting your basement, you could have a serious hazard developing that you don’t know about.
5. Skype or Facetime Communication Apps
We are learning that social isolation may be the largest harm to living in your own home as you age. If friends aren’t visiting regularly or it is hard for you to get out and mix with peers your own age, social isolation can set in. Using communication technology like Skype and Facetime can allow you to stay connected with video chats with friends, family and support services. Discover what your friends are using and try it out!
Age in place technology and devices are all fairly common to find. They key is knowing how to use them to increase your independence. I encourage all who I meet to keep up to date with technology – it is meant to help you. Those that are resistant to learning these devices may find a decrease in their overall independence as these devices become more common.
Tell me below in the comments below – what technology you have tried?
