Automation shows promise for aging baby boomers wanting to live in their homes longer. Improved lighting, the use of sensors, and fast connections to the outside world are part of the solution.
“One benefit of smart home technologies is to create a home easier for seniors to live in while making it safer and more comfortable,” said Matt Babbitts, project manager for Clark Public Utilities. “Caregivers can also gain the advantage of checking in on their loved ones remotely and easily.”
Aging experts recommend staying active, maintaining health, and socializing for everyone in their retirement years. Yet 1 in 4 seniors falls, and that only increases the chance of a second fall. Many falls, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, go unreported. Falls, the CDC also claims, are the No. 1 case of injury and death among seniors older than 65. Ninety-five percent of these falls result in broken wrists, arms, ankles, hips or head injuries.
Regardless, 90 percent of seniors interviewed by AARP in 2016 wanted to stay in their homes, even if they need health care help. For these homeowners, home automation can aid aging in place and improve their quality of life, especially when combined with emerging technologies.
Lighting automation can help seniors avoid many of these falls. Lighting tied to voice controls, such as Amazon’s “Alexa” or Google’s “OK, Google” commands, can turn lights on and off as someone walks through the house or moves from room to room. Although it doesn’t improve leg strength or balance, well-lit rooms can decrease the chance of falling. It also allows the most efficient use of lighting and can help keep energy costs down.
Smart thermostats eliminate the tedium and complexity of programming temperature settings for seniors. These smart devices learn the lifestyle in the home and adjust the temperature to keep it comfortable. (The utility offers a $50 rebate on certain smart thermostats.)
“Today’s smart thermostats and other automation products are easy to set up and take little tech-savvy,” said Babbitts.
Doorbells with cameras and outside Wi-Fi cameras linked to smart phones make a senior’s home safer. Instead of rushing to the door to find out who’s there, a glance at the cellphone shows the person. Add a voice response and the door-bell-ringer knows whether someone’s coming or not, or to leave the package by the door.
Wi-Fi cameras placed around the home interior let children or caregivers of seniors unobtrusively check in during the day — or to call and chat while reading body language or movements that might be contrary to the words being said.
Outdoor lighting can discourage trespassing. Additional lights with sensor activation can further startle backyard prowlers and make them reconsider their action. Adding cameras around the periphery of the home may catch the intruder’s image and lead to an arrest. They also save nighttime visitors from falls by lighting the way as they step from their cars.
Lock automation means no keys under doormats anymore — and no lost keys. Smart-phone-controlled door locks make entry easier for those who may struggle with keys as well as children, caregivers and emergency services.
“Many new things are possible with automation, but the mix depends on a user’s budget and need for safety, efficiency or comfort,” Babbitts said.
Most technology designers look to the next generation; those with a geriatric focus look for ways that automation can help the elderly now. This means the future holds smart pillboxes, smartwatches that can broadcast medication levels, blood pressure, sugar levels, and falls as they occur. Then distant caregivers can respond quickly and get the services needed to assist the person — whether it’s a fall or a forgotten pill.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98688.
