How can smart home tech make life as a senior easier
The world we know today is constantly changing, as technology keeps evolving around us. It is now common to see all ages carrying around a smartphone and using it for various reasons. The average smartphone today is as powerful as a desktop computer, but still used for basic features such as calling friends and family or to search the internet. This year in 2019, technology has expanded into smart home appliances in which 19.8% of Canadians have already installed at their house.
What is smart home technology?
Smart home technology are house appliances that can connect through the internet to be controlled on your smart phone. These smart capabilities can range from automatically knowing when to turn on and off based on previous use of the device, or to simply monitor and control devices when you are away from home via the internet.
How can this make life easier for a senior?
1. Stop door to door scams
Smart home tech like doorbell cameras allow seniors to stay in the comfort of their home and see who is at your front door via live video. This device can be helpful by avoiding the need to open the door to every stranger. This can save seniors from scenarios like scams and break-ins, since you can pre-screen and ignore suspicious people at your doorstep.
2. Reminder Alarms
As we age, you may have medications that require to be taken at specific times of the day, and sometimes it can be really hard to keep track. That is why smart speakers can be of big help as you can set reminders at specific times for it to ring. If you have a large home you can purchase multiple smart speakers and have all the speakers connected to each other on the same network. This means that no matter where you are in the house, the alarm will go off for your reminders.
3. Automatic Controls
A lot of seniors face the struggle of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, which makes it hard for them to move around or remember to do certain things. This is where smart home tech such as thermostats and automatic door locks can help. The smart thermostats will spend a week to learn how you control the temperature throughout the day and will automatically adjust to your liking, without having to manually adjust it yourself. The automatic door locks can also be controlled through your phone and will sense when you enter and exit the house to lock your doors automatically.
Costs of smart home tech and where to buy
Smart home tech can now be bought at major retailers in Canada including Amazon, Best buy, Walmart and The Source. We have listed some specific recommendations and prices down below to get an idea of the budget you need to build your smart home today.
- Smart doorbell – Ring Video Doorbell Pro – $299
- Smart speakers – Google home – $129.99
- Smart thermostat – Nest thermostat – $329.99
- Smart lock – August smart lock $259.99
- Smart lights – Phillips hue colour light bulbs – $249.99
Smart home tech can be very expensive, as there are a lot of appliances in your house that can be automated to make life more comfortable. If you are on a budget, it is important to prioritize which smart home tech will be the most beneficial, as people tend to slowly incorporate smart home tech in their life instead of purchasing it all at once.