Research & Insights

Smart Home 101: Revolutionizing the Way We Live Safely

Jessica Balhorn OTD, OTR/L

Smart technology has revolutionized the way we live and has created new opportunities for people of all ages to improve their quality of life. For seniors, this technology plays a crucial role in reducing fall risk and promoting independent living. With features such as fall detection, video calling, and voice control; smart technology can help ensure a safer, more independent life while also maintaining connections with those you love most. Smart technology can give you and those close to you the peace of mind to live a happier and safer life.

Smart home technology has the potential torevolutionize the aging experience by promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

AARP Public Policy Institute

WHY is smart technology important?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the number one cause of injury-related deaths among adults over 65 years of age. Additionally, 1 in every 4 seniors fall each year causing various injuries that can limit independence and decrease quality of life. Falls can lead to chronic and acute injuries, hospitalizations, and in severe cases death. Being proactive in reducing falls is of the utmost importance. Smart technology offers products to help increase independence in daily life, allowing for greater connectivity with friends and family, while also allowing seniors to stay safe in their own home. Smart technology provides products that are both proactive and reactive in reducing fall risk. On the proactive side, voice control can allow you to access light switches or door locks without physically having to get up. Video calling can increase access to a loved one in a time of need, and smart pill dispensers can ensure proper dosage at the correct time. These are just a few of the many examples.

WHAT smart technology should I use?

Smart lighting allows for easy control of lights using a smartphone or voice-activated device, reducing the need to physically move to turn lights on and off. It can also help to increase visibility and reduce the risk of tripping over objects in the home.
Fall detection/medical alert systems can help to detect falls and send alerts to emergency services and designated contacts.
Video calling can allow you to talk to loved ones at your convenience or during a time of need.

Depending on your profile a DwellSafe home safety assessment may include the right smart home technology recommendations to help reduce fall risk and extend independence. Scan your home with DwellSafe to explore if Smart Home technology could help improve your home safety.

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