Smart Home technology can be life changing, especially for anyone who has difficulty with their mobility. If you have elderly relatives who need a bit of help, then it's well worth looking into the options, especially if you are a long distance carer. I'm based in Morpeth, Northumberland and help my older clients who live locally, find the best solutions, and live well in their own home. I also provide remote support for families of those who live further away. Take a look at my Services page for more information.
Here are some of my favourite smart home solutions for clients, which also make fantastic gifts at any time of the year.
A voice-controlled speaker with display screen
(e.g. an Alexa Echo Show)
For clients who struggle to use a phone or tablet with a touch screen, this is an ideal way to keep in touch, and also has many other useful functions.
My favourite ways to use it:
· Photo slideshow
(content can be managed remotely e.g. through Amazon Photos)
· Video calling
(call them from the App on your phone - no need for them to touch anything, they just say "Alexa, Answer")
· Reminders
(can be managed remotely e.g. regular medication reminders, or occasional extras e.g. "don't forget Strictly is on in 5 minutes")
· Emergency drop-in
(not answering the phone? Activate 'drop-in' function to talk to them/see what's happening)
A bit of care around positioning is needed (I've found that a speaker stand can be very useful) making sure that it is within sight from the favourite armchair and close enough for a video call.
And of course this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what smart devices can be used for. It's a great way to introduce the technology, but if there's a danger that too many options may overwhelm, then initially it can be gifted simply as a photo slideshow. Then you can gradually introduce the other features.
For far-away families with older relatives, a device like this can be extremely useful. And for the recipient, even just to have the ever-changing photo slideshow on display can be a lovely gift to enjoy.
A voice-controlled speaker (e.g Alexa Echo Dot)
paired with a Smart Plug
Another idea is to combine a smart plug with a voice-controlled speaker to open up lots more useful functionality.
One of my clients was stuck in bed and frustrated at her lack of independence. She really enjoyed using her new Alexa device to turn a light on and off, ask the time, play her favourite music, and adjust the volume.
You can find more information in this blog post: Case Study - Smart Home Technology to get more out of life
Another client had difficulties with their mobility. Getting in and out of bed in the middle of the night to turn a fan on and off during the summer was particularly difficult, and annoying (and increased the risk of falls). Problems with arm and hand movements, also made it difficult to reach across to fumble with a switch.
The solution was an Alexa voice-controlled speaker, and a smart plug for the fan. The smart plug is then repurposed during the winter and used as a way to easily turn the Christmas Tree lights on and off.
You can find more information in this blog post: Case Study - Using Smart Home Technology to keep cool.
Ways I can help
My business is called And Wiser, and I help older adults live well at home, as independently as possible, with or without carers.
I provide a range of support services. Everything from regular shopping and errands to in-depth project work to help improve quality of life. I can help identify solutions and find ways to get things done. This includes helping with technology.
To find out more about all of the ways I can help, have a look at all of my Services or read some of the blog posts and case studies to find out how my services have helped my clients to live well at home and really thrive, not just survive.
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