Quicklinks:
What is a Smart Home and How Does It Work?
What is Smart Assistive Technology?
7 Smart Devices Made for those Living with Disabilities
Is a Smart Home Right for You?
For many people, their home is not just a physical space where they eat and sleep. It’s a place of comfort and safety, representing all they have worked for through their lives, where they can create memories and grow with their loved ones. However, for those who have chosen to age in place, or who are living with disabilities, or caring for someone with a disability, daily life – even in a familiar home – can be challenging.
Fortunately, modern technology has made significant strides in making the quality of life better for people at any stage of life; this is particularly true for smart homes and devices. As home renovation specialists for accessibility, we believe that every homeowner, regardless of their physical abilities, deserves to fully enjoy every corner of their living space. Here, you’ll find a list of smart home devices that can help homeowners live more independently and comfortably; not only enhancing the functionality of the home, but also providing peace of mind and a sense of security for years to come.
What is a Smart Home and How Does It Work?
Smart homes offer a variety of benefits to homeowners. Essentially, a smart home is a residence equipped with internet-connected devices that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or other smart device. These devices include, but are not limited to:
- appliances, such as fridges or ovens
- security systems
- lighting
- thermostats
- door locks
- digital assistants
By integrating these devices into a smart home, homeowners enjoy more independence, increased convenience and safety, improved security, and even enhanced energy efficiency.
How do smart devices connect to one another?
This will vary from one device to another. Most use the cellular network, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, allowing devices to be easily controlled from anywhere. For example, you can use your smartphone from anywhere in the world to check your smart home security cameras, provided that the cameras are hooked up to the home’s Wi-Fi network.
What is Smart Assistive Technology?
Smart assistive technology refers to devices, tools, and applications that utilize smart technology to provide assistance and improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities or limited mobility. This technology integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other advanced programming to create innovative solutions where they are needed for your specific circumstances.
The main purpose of smart assistive technology is to enable people to live more independently and comfortably in their homes. It can help with a wide range of activities, from communication and mobility to home automation and healthcare.
What Smart Devices Have Been Made for Those Living with Disabilities?
1) Smart Thermostats
As technology continues to advance, so do the ways in which we can improve the comfort and functionality of our homes. One such device that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the smart thermostat. These can be controlled remotely using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and they can be programmed to adjust the temperature of your home automatically. This can not only make your home more comfortable, but also more energy-efficient; it eliminates the need for manual temperature adjustments throughout the day and can be set to keep the house a few degrees cooler when you are not home.
For people aging in place, smart thermostats can be especially beneficial. Homeowners can adjust the temperature without having to leave their bed or chair, making it much easier and more convenient for them to maintain a comfortable living environment.
2) Smart Locks
When it comes to making your home more accessible while maintaining prominent security, smart locks are among the first considerations that we recommend. These keyless door locks can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet, allowing you to lock and unlock your doors with ease. For people with limited motion in hands, fingers, or arms, this can be a major relief as it eliminates struggles with traditional keys or doorknobs that require manual dexterity.
Furthermore, smart locks provide an added layer of security as they can alert you when someone enters or leaves your home. This gives peace of mind for homeowners who want to keep their families and their belongings safe.
3) Smart Assistive Technology
As technology continues to evolve, we are seeing an increasing number of smart assistive devices. From