For older adults looking to age in place, installing and adopting smart home technologies can enhance comfort and quality of life. With the right tech, elderly loved ones can keep their independence, and family members and caregivers can enjoy peace of mind.
At Bekins Van Lines, we understand that thoughtful home modifications can make all the difference. Understanding and meeting the needs of older adults are just a few ways we aim to make senior moves easy and stress-free.
Why Aging in Place Matters
Aging in place is the practice of remaining in one’s home rather than moving into care facilities or loved ones’ homes. It can mean greater comfort, independence and emotional well-being for seniors. While home modifications are often required for aging in place, these can increase security, safety and convenience, so seniors can stay where they’re comfortable for longer.
Benefits of Smart Home Technology for Seniors
Smart home devices can be some of the most important—and overlooked—home modifications when planning to age in place. They serve a practical purpose just like stair rails, grab bars and even walkways do. Smart home technology for seniors ensures easy access to help, increases independence and can serve as a friendly “assistant” to manage daily tasks and combat loneliness. It’ll even provide peace of mind to both older adults and their loved ones, knowing that checking in is possible even from afar.
Smart Home Technology That Supports Aging in Place
Voice Assistants and Video Calling Tools
Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa live on convenient smart home hubs like the Apple HomePod and Amazon Echo. These are some of the best smart home devices for seniors and should be among the first home modifications for older adults to consider because they’re useful for many purposes:
- Setting medication reminders
- Making emergency calls
- Controlling smart lights and locks
- On-demand news and weather
- Combatting loneliness
Some smart home devices even come equipped with a screen, so older adults can stay socially connected by video calling friends and family members.
Overall, voice assistants and other all-purpose smart home devices help simplify tech for seniors and make tech adoption easier.
Smart Lighting and Plugs
Remember TV commercials for “The Clapper?” Today’s smart lighting options have evolved the concept into a new age. They’re essential technology for elderly adults looking for convenience and safety.
By plugging existing lamps into smart plugs or replacing light bulbs with smart lights, older adults can set timers, control light levels and turn lights on and off from easy-to-use phone apps. This means no more fumbling for a light switch in the dark or after a fall, and reduced bending and reaching. Some lights are even motion-activated to prevent falls in the middle of the night.
Home Security and Smart Locks
Older adults who are aging in place will want to consider home security measures, as they may be at a greater risk of home invasions and theft. Smart home technology, like smart locks, security cameras and entry sensors, can be deterrents and provide peace of mind. We recommend adding family members to accounts so they can stay informed through alerts and let themselves into the home in case of emergencies.
Fall Prevention Features
Fall detection devices, medical alert systems and wearable tech like smartwatches and pendants are all essential technology for seniors. They can prevent falls and ensure quick help if a fall does occur by calling emergency services and often designated caregivers, too. If an emergency call isn’t automatically triggered, older adults can use voice-activated commands to ask for help.
Place smart sensors on stairs, near the bathroom and in other high-risk areas, or have seniors wear an emergency button or smartwatch for convenient help when it’s needed most.
Bekins: The Trusted Senior Movers
As an older adult, smart home technology can create a safer, smarter and more independent future. Thoughtful home modifications can make aging in place comfortable and convenient, and provide peace of mind to those who love you.
If the time comes to leave home, it’s important to work with professional movers who understand the needs of older adults, like Bekins Van Lines. Our agents specialize in senior moves, working tirelessly to make the moving process simple and stress-free every step of the way. Our history in the moving business stretches back 125 years, so we’ve seen it all and solved it all.
If you’re planning a move or helping a loved one transition, contact our agents to see how Bekins can make the move—and the home—work for every stage of life.
