You don’t have to leave your home as you get older. Innovative technology can make staying at home easier, safe and more enjoyable.

Internet-connected smart devices can be controlled from anywhere. Some of these devices learn your habits and adjust to you, or they can provide information to someone who helps you. If you have difficulty with your vision, hearing or general physical limitations, these devices can improve your quality of life by helping you continue doing things that are meaningful to you.

According to AARP, about a third of Americans 50 and older have a smart speaker/voice assistant; 90% own a smartphone and 75% a smart TV. The effectiveness of these technologies requires Wi-Fi and access to a smart phone or tablet. 

Using technology can provide a sense of security for the older adult and their caregivers. 

Here are few types of products that I may recommend, depending on the needs or goals of the patient or their caregivers:

Smart Speakers or Voice Assistants

With voice commands, you can play music, get the weather forecast, have questions answered and more. This device can become the command center for your home, providing voice control for other items. 

These devices can function as a kitchen timer and a grocery list builder and can also be used to make phone calls handsfree. The assistant can place online orders for delivery of needed items. It can read books from Audible, as well as control a Smart TV.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats come in a variety of brands and can learn your preferences. When it senses no one is home, a smart thermostat can activate a lower heating or cooling setting. These thermostats can control remotely through an app. Voice control is also available through voice assistants.

Smart Lights

You can control lamps and overhead lights with an app. They can use sensors to turn on when they detect movement, providing security outside your home or safety inside, like when someone gets up at night. A routine can be set up to automatically turn lights off and on. Voice control options are available through voice assistants.

Activity Sensors & Fall Detectors

Caregivers can keep an eye on an older adult’s daily activities, like getting out of bed, moving between rooms or leaving a door open. They can track these activities and send alerts to family or caregivers if, for example, someone sits in a chair for too long. 

Other systems can detect changes in temperature, water leaks, smoke or carbon dioxide. Many of these products work with a combination of wall-mounted sensors and wearable devices, such as a wristband or pendant. They can detect a fall and call for help. A caregiver can also receive an alert.

Smart Appliances

A smart microwave can be activated using a voice assistant or remotely using an app.

Medication Dispensers & Diabetes Monitoring

Some pill organizers can be programmed to dispense the right amount of medicine and provide an alert when it is time to take a dose. Many can be managed through phone apps, so a caregiver can check to see when medication has been taken. 

Smart apps can also assist with reading blood sugar and alert caregivers if needed.