Our lifestyle goals and living needs may change as we age, but one thing remains the same — a desire for security and simplicity. Thanks to home automation, you can increase your home’s security and simplify your daily living tasks.
Learn more about how home automation devices can improve a senior’s life today.
Top 5 Ways That Home Automation Can Simplify a Senior’s Life
Today’s latest home automation tools are easy to implement and many devices also provide step-by-step guidance along with customer service for additional support.
While there are hundreds of home automation products on the market, these five tools make our list thanks to their ability to simplify a daily routine, ease of installation and use and security:
1. Integrated security system.
Gone are the days of complex and clunky home security systems that require extensive hard wiring and expensive monthly monitoring fees. Today’s top systems are easy to install and take a few quick minutes to set up and use.
Ranked as the best home security system, Vivint is top of the line when it comes to home automation integration and security. You can link your security system with other smart devices — like cameras, door locks, garage door controllers and thermostats — and access these devices from your phone wherever you are. Monitoring prices start at $29.99 per month, making Vivint an affordable option for securing and automating your home.
2. Smart doorbell.
You’ve settled comfortably on the couch or it’s late at night and the doorbell rings. Do you answer the door? With a smart doorbell, you can check your smartphone to see who’s at your front door without getting up from your seat.
A Ring video doorbell can help you feel more secure at home and away. Through the app, you can receive real-time alerts when someone presses the doorbell or triggers the built-in motion sensor. With two-way talk, you can also hear and speak to your guests from your computer or phone. The Ring doorbell costs $99 without any ongoing costs, making it a cost-effective way to boost your security.
3. Smart lighting.
Smart lightbulbs are arguably the simplest home automation tool available. As easy to install as a standard light, smart bulbs are convenient to use both at and away from home.
With smart lighting, replace any bulb in your house with a smart bulb. Through an app, you can access your home’s lighting remotely. Turn lights on or off at any time, or schedule them for regular intervals so you never arrive home in the dark. Philips Hue offers some of the most popular smart bulbs and while they can add up in price — costing roughly $50 for a four-pack — they reduce energy use, saving you on your electricity bill.
4. Smart medical alert device.
Falling or needing emergency response can be a frightening reality of aging, but it doesn’t need to prevent you from enjoying an active lifestyle. Medical alert devices help you maintain your independence and offer peace of mind.
While basic systems include a help button you can access in the home, today’s smart devices allow you to use them anywhere. The Freedom Guardian smartwatch is one of the more sophisticated options on the market, offering mobile and web app integration for medication reminders, GPS monitoring, and other alerts. At $44.95 per month, it’s one of the pricier options but provides 24/7 monitoring in a sleek, wearable, and easy-to-use wristwatch.
5. Smart thermostat.
Whether you’re eco-conscious or on a budget, a smart thermostat makes it easy to keep your home at an ideal temperature and your energy costs to a minimum. Smart thermostats, like the Nest thermostat, are designed to learn your temperature preferences and daily schedule so it can adjust automatically.
One of the best things about the Nest thermostat is its cost efficiency and easy installation. It generally takes half an hour to install in a few simple steps. While the thermostat costs around $250, there are no monthly or recurring fees. Additionally, a smart thermostat can save you on energy costs each month, meaning the device eventually pays for itself.
Home automation has the power to make life easier and safer as we age. Many of today’s top tools are simple to install on your own and require little maintenance or upkeep. While home security systems and some smart devices require monthly services, many are available for affordable prices.
While new technology may seem intimidating at first, these five options can help you safely and quickly automate your home. If you have any questions about this topic, please reach out to us.
Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-monitoring-sensors
