8 Smart Home Technologies for Aging in Place
A smart home is a simple idea: Use wireless technology to make life easier. This idea is brought to life in a hundred different ways. A smart home is made up of a hub that directs all your controls, then you can add as many smart devices and functions as you care to install.
It can be as simple as screwing in a wifi light bulb or integral, like installing a smart thermostat. Voice controls let you change settings without getting up. Sensor devices give you information about distant parts of the house. Smart speakers allow you to speak freely from room-to-room. Every home appliance has the potential to be smart, conveniently controlled from a distance, and many smart home comforts are available.
In other words, smart homes have become a great way to retire at home. Aging in place is all about making home-life more convenient for yourself. Automating chores is the name of the game. Today, we're diving into some of the best smart-home technologies that make at-home retirement easy and fun.
Voice Controlled Hub
Start with a smart home hub. You'll want to choose between Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Decide whether you'll use a device as your smart home's 'Brain' or purchase a hub+smart speaker. This will be the center of your voice-controlled smart home system. You will want to make an account and then you will build that account with skills for your smart home. Every device and many online services each have their own smart home skill that needs to be compatible with your chosen hub/system/personality.
Smart Speaker in Each Room
Now seed your home with smart home speakers. One speaker per 'zone' of your house is enough. The goal is for you and "the house" to hear each other. Smart speakers listen when you give commands starting with the wake-word. They also play music, alarms, notifications, and act as intercoms that sync throughout the house.
Smart Light Bulbs
Smart bulbs are a great addition for anyone aging in place. Light switches are a thing of the past. A smart bulb can smoothly screw into a normal fixture. Then you can control your lights with voice or mobile device commands. You can have white bulbs that range from warm to cool or fully chromatic bulbs with full-spectrum light options.
Never get up to turn off a light or stumble in the dark again. You can program your lights to turn on in the morning or voice-control them on before you even get out of bed.
Programmable Thermostat
For seniors, a programmable thermostat saves you more than money. Not only can temperature scheduling help reduce the power bill, you can also check and change the temperature without going to the thermostat. If you wake up cold or overheating, a quick comment to your nearest smart speaker or a few taps on your phone can quickly remedy the problem.
A smart thermostat can also ensure that your home stays within safe temperature ranges to protect your health and your personal possessions.
Smart TV and App
Entertainment is an important part of an enjoyable retirement. Smart TVs are a great addition to any home and provide a versatile, interactive way to enjoy media. Some smart TVs even have remote-control games available. Smart TVs stream video services, access local TV, and function as an auxiliary monitor for computer or console connections.
Smart TVs can also be voice-controlled if you install the correct smart home skill. You can even use your phones and tablets as extra remotes with the right app.
Video Doorbell
Smart homes have made it possible to answer your door without answering the door. Whether you're in the back of the house or comfortably settled in your chair, a video doorbell is the friendliest way to quickly answer visitors. Video doorbells include a small camera-eye that shows you who is at the door. Some include a screen for two-way video or an intercom for voice communication.
This way, you can greet guests or accept packages without having to rise.
Smart Door Locks & Garage Door
Combine your video doorbell with a smart lock for superb security. Standalone, smart locks are a great way to handle your home's security. Lock your doors with your phone or a voice command from anywhere in the house, or even away from home. Keypad locks allow you to give all guests and staff their own access, including hours in which each code works. You can unlock the door for visitors and also schedule the doors to lock on their own every night.
Smart Appliances for Remote Control
Lastly, collect appliances that have smart-home capabilities. A smart humidifier or fan, for example, can help you control home air comfort without reaching for a switch. A smart pet feeder can keep your pets taken care of with minimal stooping to fill or set down bowls. Build your aging in place plan with a smart home infrastructure and enjoy the convenience of embracing the latest home technology.
