Understanding the Role of Smart Home Devices for Seniors
As much as aging is a blessing, it does come with its limitations that can impede a senior's ability to function as they did in their younger years. Some of the challenges include reduced vision and decreased mobility. The good news is, there are smart home devices that can help your loved ones. Read on for the role of smart home devices for seniors and their important benefits.
The Upside
Seniors can avoid such inconveniences courtesy of smart home devices. Among some of the positives of adopting smart technology for the elderly include:
- Enhancing Security
The safety and security of a senior are of paramount concern. Seniors are vulnerable to theft due to their age.Access control systems that monitor the entry and exit of people around the house and restrict access for unauthorized personnel can go a long way to enhance the senior's security. These systems can also store and automatically generate reports such as a caregiver's attendance register and total work hours by recording their arrival and departure times once they have keyed the entry credentials on the smart locks.
This information can be used in determining whether the caregiver is timely and dedicated to taking care of the client.
- Minimizing Movement
Smart homes have remote access capabilities. This means that the senior can easily control the lighting, television, as well as room temperature without moving around the house. The lights and thermostats can also be automated to run at specific times. This saves seniors the hassle of controlling them especially if they are forgetful. Automated lights that turn on when someone enters the room can also minimize the risk of falls, especially at night when it is dark. The senior also gets to surveil the entire compound thanks to integrated security systems remotely.
- Biomedical Monitoring Devices
Smart home devices meant to help monitor a senior's health can come in handy. This is especially useful for seniors who live alone and do not have constant interactions with a caregiver.
Technologies such as the portable medical bracelet that stores a senior's medical information and allows for rapid alert during emergencies can help preserve the senior's life in case of unfortunate eventualities.
- Mobility Assistance
Smart homes can be equipped with mobility assistance devices to aid seniors with challenges in mobility. These devices enable them to carry out tasks that need them to move around.
The Downside
However, even with all the perks that come with smart home devices, there are also downsides to them in the context of seniors.
- Abandonment
Family members can be presumptuous that moving the senior to a smart home means that all his or her needs are met. Loved ones may at times substitute actual caregiving with technology, eventually minimizing checkups on the senior. However, no matter how efficient smart home devices are, they cannot replace caregiving. The senior should have someone that checks on them regularly and keeps them company. Human interaction satisfies their need for social needs, which is essential to their wellbeing.
- Seniors May Not be Tech-Savvy
Older people are often less tech-savvy and may not know how to operate some of the devices in the house. Additionally, challenges such as delusions and forgetfulness that come with age may make it difficult to orient them.
- Smart Homes Have an Element of Risk
Like other forms of technology, smart home devices are susceptible to hacks and access by unauthorized personnel, compromising the senior's safety. Hacks aside, the devices may also malfunction at times, rendering the senior helpless, especially when the caregiver is not nearby. An unstable internet connection can also result in them not working optimally, thus not offering the client the much-needed help.
Contact us
A smart home enhances the safety and comfort of the senior but is no substitute for caregiving. Senior Helpers is a trustworthy and reliable premier in-home senior care provider. We have services ranging from in-depth care for those with conditions such as dementia and Parkinson's disease to those in need of companion care.
Contact us today for services in Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Howard County, as well as Anne Arundel County.