Independence is a fundamental aspect of human life. It allows us to make our own decisions, live according to our own rules, and express our individuality. However, as we age or if we are living with a disability, maintaining this independence can become a risk. This risk can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty in performing daily tasks, increased susceptibility to accidents, or challenges in managing health conditions.
Despite these challenges, the advent of technology has provided solutions that can help mitigate these risks. Smart home solutions, in particular, have been instrumental in assisting individuals to maintain their independence while ensuring their safety and well-being. These solutions can be customized to address specific concerns. Here are some examples:
- Mobility Concerns: For individuals who have difficulty moving around, smart home solutions like automated doors, voice-controlled lights, and robotic vacuum cleaners can help perform tasks that would otherwise require physical effort.
- Health Management: Smart health monitoring devices can track vital signs, remind individuals to take their medication, or alert emergency services if a health anomaly is detected.
- Safety Concerns: For those prone to accidents, smart home solutions like fall detection systems, automated stoves, and security cameras can provide an added layer of safety.
- Communication: For individuals who may feel isolated, smart home devices can facilitate communication with family, friends, or caregivers through video calls or instant messaging.
By selecting your specific concern, you can explore a range of smart home solutions designed to enhance your independence while minimizing risks. Remember, technology is here to empower you, not to replace your independence. It’s about finding the right balance between autonomy and safety.
Problem:
You get up to make a cup of tea, you put the kettle on and sit down while it boils then you're to tired or sore to get up gain to actually make the cup of tea
Solution:
With the aid of a smart plug you ask your voice assistant to ‘put the kettle on’ and you get up once the kettle has boiled to make your cup of tea
Problem:
You enter the room on an overcast day and the light switch is across the room but there are hazards you can't see.
Solution:
With the aid of a of a motion/light sensor your movement is detected light levels are checked and if required the lights turn on. If the day brightens up or you leave the room the lights will automatically turn off.
Problem:
You are going to bed and the lights in the hall and bedroom are off and you have to check the kitchen and bathroom lights
Solution:
With the aid of a of a smart speaker you say 'Goodnight, I am going to bed’. The lights in the hall and bedroom switch on lighting your way safely to the bedroom after a few minutes the living room, kitchen, bathroom and hall lights switch off. The air conditioner is set to night mode
Problem:
You like to open your bedroom curtains in the morning but after getting up and dressed you lake the energy
Solution:
With the aid of a curtain motor, light sensor and speaker assistant. The curtains open at your wake up time or sunrise plus snooze time. In the evening the curtains automatically close and the light is turned on (optional).
Problem:
You are using a walker and it is difficult or dangerous to maneuver the walker and get through the door safely
Solution:
With the aid of a smart speaker and door opener you just ask ‘open the bathroom door’ the door opens it can then automatically close or it can stay open until you ask for it to close
Problem:
You leave the house and the garage door is left open!
Solution:
With the aid of a smart phone and smart speaker your location can be detected and when you are away from the house the garage door will close, and when you return the garage door will open again
Problem:
People visit and cough and sneeze and your worried you might catch what they have
Solution:
With the aid of a smart air purifier and smart speaker, their cough can be detected and air purifier switched on clearing the room of smells, viruses and bacteria
Problem:
You have trouble controlling the air condition and finding the remote is difficult
Solution:
With the aid of a smart speaker and smart air monitor your home is kept within the temperatures you set. Keeping your home at a base temperature night and day will save you money as heating the room when required will take less time and power. People often over compensate over heating the home when it is left to cool naturally (below 16 degrees Celsius)
Once you have started making your home smarter and safer. You can combine features to make complex activities safer and easier