You may have heard of smart home devices for entertainment like home cinemas and speakers – but what about accessibility? The advent of Internet of Things-enabled tools has given rise to assistive technology, ideal for vulnerable or elderly people.
Smart home technology has evolved to serve people with disabilities or other cognitive and sensory impairments. It works by making interactions easier, reducing the need for physical touch. It’s also automated, which may aid people with memory problems.
These cutting-edge technologies, ranging from motion sensors to voice commands, make the home a safer place to be. They encourage independence, helping elderly or disabled people carry out their daily tasks without help.
Choose a CEDIA member if you’re looking for the latest user-friendly technology. We’re totally brand agnostic, so we’ll only recommend the best home systems for your loved ones.
Smart home assistants are ideal for security, climate control, and even monitoring your loved ones’ health. Typical technologies included within assistive home kits include:
These life-changing tools offer peace of mind when you’re not around. Get notifications about your loved ones or keep in touch via calls on home assistants.
Even flicking a light switch can be challenging for vulnerable homeowners. These technologies help both residents and caregivers, in person or via remote control.
Voice assistants such as Apple HomeKit, Alexa or Google Nest connect with other devices via WiFi. This allows users to give them instructions without using their hands – for example, voice commands to call their family. They also access crucial information like the weather or even emails. When integrated with other smart devices by smart home professionals, they work even better.
Health systems connect to a monitoring centre or family and caregivers. These may include anything from wearable pendants to sense falls, to motion sensors and carbon monoxide detectors.
If there’s an emergency, the systems alert these special contacts, who can call an ambulance or visit the user themselves.
Many smart home hub technologies come with built-in accessibility features. For example, tablets like iPads offer screen reading for the visually impaired. They may have large print, audio descriptions and voice control to make interactions easier.
It’s also possible to download apps for transcription and communication, or even to assist hearing aids.
More than one in eight (85%) of doorstep crime victims are over 65. This is why smart home security is so important. Gadgets like Ring doorbell alert users to visitors at the door. Meanwhile, smart locks help mobility-impaired people access their homes without keys.
It’s even possible to install motion sensors, which can send intruder alerts. Remote home systems allow you to keep an eye without invading your family’s privacy.
Smart speakers connect to lighting and climate control, so home users can adjust heating without struggling to read settings. It’s easy to automate this with a preset schedule – for example, activating light bulbs in time with the sunset.
This is ideal in challenging seasons like winter. Program your heating to come on automatically and protect vulnerable people.
Smart home accessibility makes daily life easier thanks to simpler interactions. Devices designed for manual use, like door locks, are accessible through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
They’re also simple to set up and use. Tools like Google Home recognise your loved one’s voice and respond to commands. As a caregiver, you can use these to communicate or even receive notifications for peace of mind.
Remote access means you have updates on home visitors or motion detection – without worrying vulnerable people. Beyond security, this also helps to maintain a comfortable living space with heating and lighting.
If you’d like to see your family living independently, assistive technology is a great place to start.
The costs of smart home accessibility vary depending on your needs. Simple devices like voice assistants cost less than three figures, while you’ll save on energy with things like smart plugs.
For a more complex home installation, such as smart garage doors, integrated speakers or security cameras, this may reach four figures. Prices of $3,000 to $7,000 are typical, depending on the construction needs in your home and the devices you choose. Our members will help you choose the best technology for your budget.
