7 Smart Devices to Enhance Home Safety and Security for Seniors

Technology has made it easier for seniors to stay independent and safe while living alone. Take smartphones, for example—they help you set reminders, control appliances remotely, and even send an emergency SOS with specific button presses. Almost all of them also have GPS, which can help your caregivers or loved ones monitor your whereabouts. Having said that, simply owning a smartphone isn’t enough; you must also invest in other smart assistive devices for safe living.

Devices to Enhance Home Safety and Security for Seniors

From smart speakers to smart locks and robot vacuums, several smart safety devices can provide seniors with peace of mind.

Smart Speakers

Besides controlling the television and music, smart speakers can do a lot to enhance the safety of seniors at home. For instance, with a voice command, you can ask the speaker for weather updates and, if there’s a forecast of heavy rain, stay indoors to avoid the risk of a fall. It is also a nice addition to have if you live alone and want to pass the time; simply ask the speaker a question and start a conversation on the topic you like. Most smart speakers can also make calls, which is great if you have limited mobility or cannot reach your smartphone during an emergency.

Smart Contact Sensors

Smart contact sensors can be attached to doors, windows, cabinets, and drawers to detect when they are opened or closed, thereby enhancing safety and security. If you install a sensor on the main door, for instance, and someone enters or leaves, you receive an alert on your phone. You can then take appropriate action if you suspect unauthorized access has occurred. Besides monitoring the house for safety concerns, these sensors can, to a certain extent, help your family track your activity if you are living alone. Sensors placed on a refrigerator door, for example, will let your family members and caregivers know you have remembered to eat.

Doorbell Cameras

Doorbell cameras help you see what or who is outside the door, without having to open it. This means you can check who is visiting you and decide whether to answer or not. Regardless, the system will send out smartphone alerts and capture video footage when someone visits. Even your caregivers and family members can access this footage at any time and pick up on suspicious activity in front of the main door.

Smart Lights

Unlike regular lights that work with a manual switch, smart lights can be turned on and off by pressing a button on your smartphone. They can also be programmed to turn on and off at specific times or illuminate when movement is detected in the room. This will reduce the risk of falls, as you won’t need to look for the light switch in the dark if you get up in the middle of the night for a glass of water or a bathroom visit.

Smartwatches

A smartwatch can help you in numerous ways. For starters, it can track your health stats like heart rate, sleep, and blood oxygen, which can help you detect potential health issues early. It is also an essential travel tech as it can send alerts to your family, friends, and caregivers, letting them know about your whereabouts. Furthermore, compatible smartwatches enable you to make and receive calls, as well as control various home gadgets and appliances remotely. This reduces the need to walk around the home to get things done, subsequently reducing the risk of slipping and falling.

Smart Door Locks

Another way to enhance safety in your home is to replace traditional door locks with smart door locks. With these locks installed, you can open the door using a keypad, smartphone app, or even your fingerprint. This feature eliminates the stress of having to remember to carry a key or risk losing it.

Robot Vacuum

Cleaning the house can get even more time-consuming as you grow older. Additionally, there’s also the risk of slipping and falling, or pulling a muscle when bending down or reaching high to clean. A smart robotic vacuum can negate this risk. The appliance can autonomously navigate your home’s floor plan to collect dust or dirt. It can also move around and underneath furniture, addressing difficult-to-clean areas. The best part is that you can schedule the robot vacuum to operate at specific hours of the day, so it doesn’t interfere with your schedule.

Simplifying Safety Technology for Seniors

If using modern-day home safety technology feels overwhelming, a few tips can help you with the process.

• Pick devices that have an intuitive interface and are easy to understand. Basic smart technology with simple controls is always better than feature-rich, sophisticated options.
• Seek support from your family and friends if you need to learn how to use new technology. It won’t be easy, but take the time to understand each aspect step by step.
• Buy modern safety tools from brands that offer easy access to technical support.