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What is a Smart Home and How Does It Work?
What is Smart Assistive Technology?
7 Smart Devices Made for those Living with Disabilities
Is a Smart Home Right for You?
For many people, their home is not just a physical space where they eat and sleep. It’s a place of comfort and safety, representing all they have worked for through their lives, where they can create memories and grow with their loved ones. However, for those who have chosen to age in place, or who are living with disabilities, or caring for someone with a disability, daily life – even in a familiar home – can be challenging.
Fortunately, modern technology has made significant strides in making the quality of life better for people at any stage of life; this is particularly true for smart homes and devices. As home renovation specialists for accessibility, we believe that every homeowner, regardless of their physical abilities, deserves to fully enjoy every corner of their living space. Here, you’ll find a list of smart home devices that can help homeowners live more independently and comfortably; not only enhancing the functionality of the home, but also providing peace of mind and a sense of security for years to come.
What is a Smart Home and How Does It Work?
Smart homes offer a variety of benefits to homeowners. Essentially, a smart home is a residence equipped with internet-connected devices that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or other smart device. These devices include, but are not limited to:
- appliances, such as fridges or ovens
- security systems
- lighting
- thermostats
- door locks
- digital assistants
By integrating these devices into a smart home, homeowners enjoy more independence, increased convenience and safety, improved security, and even enhanced energy efficiency.
How do smart devices connect to one another?
This will vary from one device to another. Most use the cellular network, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, allowing devices to be easily controlled from anywhere. For example, you can use your smartphone from anywhere in the world to check your smart home security cameras, provided that the cameras are hooked up to the home’s Wi-Fi network.
What is Smart Assistive Technology?
Smart assistive technology refers to devices, tools, and applications that utilize smart technology to provide assistance and improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities or limited mobility. This technology integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other advanced programming to create innovative solutions where they are needed for your specific circumstances.
The main purpose of smart assistive technology is to enable people to live more independently and comfortably in their homes. It can help with a wide range of activities, from communication and mobility to home automation and healthcare.
What Smart Devices Have Been Made for Those Living with Disabilities?
1) Smart Thermostats
As technology continues to advance, so do the ways in which we can improve the comfort and functionality of our homes. One such device that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the smart thermostat. These can be controlled remotely using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and they can be programmed to adjust the temperature of your home automatically. This can not only make your home more comfortable, but also more energy-efficient; it eliminates the need for manual temperature adjustments throughout the day and can be set to keep the house a few degrees cooler when you are not home.
For people aging in place, smart thermostats can be especially beneficial. Homeowners can adjust the temperature without having to leave their bed or chair, making it much easier and more convenient for them to maintain a comfortable living environment.
2) Smart Locks
When it comes to making your home more accessible while maintaining prominent security, smart locks are among the first considerations that we recommend. These keyless door locks can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet, allowing you to lock and unlock your doors with ease. For people with limited motion in hands, fingers, or arms, this can be a major relief as it eliminates struggles with traditional keys or doorknobs that require manual dexterity.
Furthermore, smart locks provide an added layer of security as they can alert you when someone enters or leaves your home. This gives peace of mind for homeowners who want to keep their families and their belongings safe.
3) Smart Assistive Technology
As technology continues to evolve, we are seeing an increasing number of smart assistive devices. From smart glasses with built-in AI to smart hearing aids and even highly advanced smart prosthetics, these devices are changing the way people with reduced abilities and mobility navigate their world.
One of the key benefits of smart assistive technology is how it gives users a greater level of independence and control over their environment – one which, up until recently, they would not have been able to enjoy. For example, language processing units can allow individuals to communicate and express needs, even if they are unable to physically speak or write clearly.
4) Smart Lighting
One of our favourite additions to any home, smart lighting offers a range of benefits that go beyond simply illuminating a space. It can be controlled remotely via smartphone or tablet, enabling homeowners to adjust the brightness, colour, and schedule of their lights; for people with limited mobility, this makes it much easier to see any potential obstacles in shadowy corners or around room transition points. Ultimately, this reduces the risk of accidents and falls quite substantially – plus, a well-lit room just feels so much more warm and inviting!
Smart lights can be programmed or set to create your perfect lighting scenarios for common usage, such as low-level ambiance for evening relaxation or brighter lights for bathing, cooking, or reading.
5) Smart Home Assistants
Smart home assistants have revolutionized the way we interact with our homes. These devices, such as the Amazon Echo or Google Home, use voice commands to control a variety of connected smart devices, making it easier than ever to manage your entire home and lifestyle environment. This eliminates the need to physically interact with devices, which can be challenging or even impossible for some people.
With a simple voice command, smart home assistants can turn on and off lights, adjust the temperature, add to your grocery list, and even operate smart appliances – all without you having to even get up. These assistants can also help in other ways, such as providing reminders for doctor’s appointments or medication schedules.
6) Smart Appliances
Smart appliances are among the latest additions to the world of smart home technology, and they are rapidly transforming the way we live and work. These appliances, which include smart refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, and more, can be controlled remotely or even via voice commands, providing a level of convenience and ease that was previously unheard of. For people aging in place, smart appliances create many more years of independence and autonomy.
For example, a smart refrigerator can be programmed to keep track of expiration dates and remind individuals when it’s time to restock their groceries. Similarly, a smart oven can be controlled remotely to preheat before you even arrive home, making meal preparation a breeze. There are new appliances coming out all the time – the sky is truly the limit, and we are only scratching the surface of possibilities.
7) Smart Home Monitoring Systems
Smart home monitoring systems do more than keep your home safe and secure. With the right setup, they can also be effectively used to detect if someone falls, monitor their vital signs, detect smoke or carbon monoxide in the home, and provide real-time, emergency alerts to caregivers or other professionals. It’s possible to bundle all of this together into one useful app or device, making it easy for anyone to operate and get familiar with it – without having to learn multiple different programs.
Is a Smart Home Right for You?
Smart devices in smart homes offer a range of benefits, which increase many times over when homeowners are aging in place and in need of more tools to safely maintain independence and comfort. With the right selection and installation of smart devices, you can create a home environment that meets your unique needs and preferences – not just now, but for many years to come, in the home you know and love.
At MyLifetimeHome™, we understand the importance and allure of aging in place, rather than picking up your entire life and moving somewhere unfamiliar. We are knowledgeable, experienced, and sought after for our expert advice and guidance in creating homes that support each resident’s well-being and quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in making your home a true smart home – one that enhances your quality of life and allows you to wake with a smile, every single day.
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