Gone are days when technology was considered a domain for the younger generation. Today, aging-in-place home automation is the preferred home management system by most homeowners, especially those living in Salem, Dallas, Keizer, Albany, and Corvallis. At just a touch of a button, older adults are reaping the benefits of connection, voice-controlled, home security, and comfort without needing to touch them physically.
The primary purpose of home automation is to make everyday tasks manageable for older adults and their in-home care providers. However, smart devices may experience problems that may upset the owners. The good thing is Senior Helpers Salem caregivers can help identify and provide solutions to most situations.
Here is a guide on maintaining a technology that improves accessibility and safety in older people's homes.
Connection Problems
This issue may stem from a low-quality connection to the local network. While some devices connect via Bluetooth, the majority use WI-FI. Unfortunately, not all smart home devices are well-suited with 2.4GHz and 5GHz WI-FI bands.
How to fix it: Smart homeowners may need to read up on where to place routers for optimal reception and performance. Also, homeowners can replace their current router with a more powerful one or install WI-FI extenders. If these methods fail, they can restart the router.
Untimely Activation
False alarms are expensive and may also delay authorities' response time during actual emergencies. Poorly designed security systems are the leading cause of untimely activations. They include:
- Poor wiring
- Unfastened doors and windows
- Not using pet-friendly motion detectors
- Inaccurately placed motion sensors
Also, failing to replace dead batteries or clean smoke detectors may trigger false alarms.
How to fix it: Older adults living in smart homes should observe general maintenance of security systems. Also, they should hire experts from a trustworthy home security company to install security systems instead of relying solely on pre-packaged products.
Lack of Security Updated
With recent upgrades in technology, home security systems can become outmoded in a short period. While installing a home security system ensures safety, failing to update one could deprive elderly homeowners of peace of mind and put themselves and their families at risk. In addition, a sound security system ensures powerful surveillance cameras that will give excellent footage whenever there is an intruder.
Also, if older people are worried about digital theft by hackers, there can read extensively on how to create strong passwords.
How to fix it: To ensure and restore a homeowner's trust in their security system, they should ensure their system is updated often by experts to keep their home and belongings safe.
Interconnectivity Issues
These problems arise when older technologies are mixed with new technology. For instance, an older television may lack a particular port that enhances the connection to specific technologies. In turn, it could limit home automation potential.
How to fix it: Homeowners with home automation devices from an old era should upgrade to those that meet the new technology compatibility needs. Also, they should ensure that all devices are from the same company.
At Senior Helpers Salem, OR, our goal is to offer impeccable senior care to our clients. Our highly trained caregivers provide customized services to elderly persons with Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's care and help them age peacefully. Contact us for more details.