11 Best Smart Home Devices for Elderly Aging in Place

June 13, 2024

Move over, millennials.

The smart home revolution isn't just for the young and tech-savvy anymore. As the population of older adults who prefer to age in place continues to grow, so does the demand for innovative solutions that cater to their unique needs.

By 2030, a staggering 1 in 6 individuals will be 60 or older, and many of them are embracing technology to maintain their independence, safety, and quality of life.

For many of us with aging loved ones, understanding these challenges and finding solutions is key to helping them age comfortably at home without feeling trapped or becoming overwhelmed.

Smart home devices offer an effective and convenient solution for caregivers and seniors. In this post, we"ll explore the best smart devices for the elderly to help them maintain their independence, boost their safety, enhance their comfort, and improve their quality of life.

The Benefits of Smart Devices for the Elderly

Investing in a smart device for your elderly loved one might seem like an unnecessary luxury, but it can be extremely beneficial for seniors and their caregivers. Whether you are a caregiver, family member, healthcare practitioner, or simply seeking a solution to improve older adults' lives, the benefits of smart home devices for the elderly are endless.

Maintain independence: They support seniors with daily activities such as eating, door monitoring, switching lights, bathing, staying active, and more.
Enhance safety: Smart security systems and sensors can alert caregivers or emergency services if something goes wrong to guarantee the older adult's safety.
Enhance comfort and convenience: Remote care systems, voice-controlled assistive devices, and smart assistants can simplify everyday tasks.
Enhanced Communication: Smart home devices help seniors stay connected to their family and friends, making them feel loved.
Health Monitoring: Medical alert systems and smart medication dispensers promptly meet health needs.
Peace of Mind: Remote caregiving systems allow family members to monitor their loved ones from afar and get peace of mind by knowing they are safe.

11 Best Smart Home Devices for Seniors

Now that we've identified the benefits of using smart home technology for the elderly, let's explore some of the best devices you can invest in to enhance your loved one's safety and comfort and make caregiving a little bit easier.

1. Remote Caregiving Systems

Remote caregiving systems allow family members or caregivers to stay in touch with older adults, keep them informed about important events, and monitor their well-being from a distance.

For instance, JubileeTV is a remote caregiving system that allows you to check-in on your loved one's health and safety using any television in their home.

JubileeTV's video calling feature enables real-time, conversations remotely.

You can monitor your parents' TV anytime, jump in to control the TV from your phone, and receive notifications if they deviate from their usual schedule. Additionally, you can schedule daily check-ins, share photos, set personalized reminders for medications, and doctor's appointments.

2. Smart Home Assistants

Smart home assistants are home technologies powered by Wi-Fi and artificial intelligence (AI) that respond to voice commands. They can control other smart assistive devices, provide information, and assist with daily tasks.

Common examples include Amazon Alexa, Google Home, the Google Nest Hub with Google Assistant, and the Apple HomePod with Siri. They provide hands-free control over other smart devices, help set reminders, play music, and even make calls, all through simple voice commands.

Smart home assistants help older adults age in place with enhanced safety, convenience, and quality of life. While there are some concerns regarding cost, privacy, dependency on the internet, and setup complexity, the overall advantages, especially for those with mobility or dexterity challenges, make them a worthwhile investment.

3. Smart Security Systems

Smart security systems include security cameras, doorbell cameras, smart door locks, and motion sensors around the house or front door. They enable 24/7 remote home control by providing real-time alerts and live video feeds. These systems ensure that older adults feel safe in their homes and caregivers have peace of mind.

Smart doorbells with cameras, for example, can show who is at the front door before answering. Smart locks allow family members to check in on the elderly by simply using passwords or codes to unlock.

Smart home security cameras allow caregivers or family members to monitor for falls, other health issues, and emergencies.

4. Smart Lighting Solutions

Smart lighting systems and smart bulbs can be controlled via smartphone apps or voice commands, allowing the elderly to remotely turn their home's lights on and off for smart lights.

With smart lighting solutions, these tasks will become effortless for older adults who can simply tell the smart home assistant what to do.

Smart lighting assistants can also preset lighting settings, such as dimming the lights at sunset or turning them on and off at specific times.

5. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are advanced, internet-connected devices that allow people to control their home's heating and cooling systems via a smartphone app, voice commands, or web interface. They can also be controlled remotely via mobile apps, ensuring a comfortable home environment.

With smart thermostats, elderly people can always keep their place at a comfortable temperature, regardless of the weather outside.

These devices can learn the user's preferences, adjust the temperature accordingly, create energy-efficient schedules, and provide detailed energy usage reports.

These devices not only provide comfort, but also help save on energy costs.

6. Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems provide a direct line to emergency assistance. They signal caregivers or emergency medical personnel at the push of a button in case of a health emergency.

Some medical alert systems include fall detection, GPS tracking, and two-way communication features.

These devices are typically wearables like pendants, wristbands, or watches with an emergency button. When the smart device's button is pressed, it connects the user to the caregiver, a monitoring center or emergency contacts.

Medical alert systems give seniors and their families a sense of control as well as peace of mind.

7. Smart Medication Dispensers

Smart medication dispensers help the elderly with health issues like declining memory, Alzheimer's, and dementia to manage their medication usage. They ensure seniors take their medication on time by providing reminders and dispensing the correct dosages.

The timed, controlled, and measured medical dispense can help reduce the risk of missed or incorrect medication intake for the elderly living alone.

These devices can send voice reminders, preload a pill dispenser with medications, and dispense them according to a preset schedule.

This technology is an easy way to alleviate medication-related anxiety of families and caregivers.

8. Smart Plugs and Outlets

Smart plugs and outlets allow older adults to control electrical devices remotely or set schedules to turn on and off, making it easier to manage household appliances safely.

Smart plugs are an easy way to automate many different types of devices. They allow you to power on/off a device by using an app, scheduling it, or using voice commands.

They can give the elderly comfort and convenience while providing safety and energy saving in the home.

9. Smart Locks

A smart lock offers keyless entry, which can be locked or unlocked via a smart hub, voice command, or remotely using a smartphone.

Smart locking systems can help seniors when family members check in on them since they don't need a key, just a password, code, or the ability to unlock the system from a mobile app.

10. Smart Home Sensors

Sensors can detect various conditions, such as smart smoke detectors, carbon monoxide, and water leaks. They send alerts to the homeowner or caregiver via an app, helping to prevent accidents and damage.

Sensors are essential for home safety. When a sensor's alarm goes off, it's a warning of potential danger. But they wouldn't work if your loved one can't hear the alarm or gets confused by what's happening.

With smart technology, it's now possible to connect sensors to a home security system, allowing you to monitor the situation remotely. When the smart senor's alarm accidently goes off from Mom's burnt toast, you can simply deactivate it via a mobile app.

11. Voice-Controlled Devices

Smart speakers like Amazon Alexa or Apple HomePod are becoming more common in the average household.

Voice-controlled devices or smart speakers include a range of gadgets that respond to voice commands, from turning on the TV or stereo to adjusting the thermostat. They help seniors manage their homes without needing to navigate complex controls.

Besides being a control hub, voice command is a great function for seniors unfamiliar with caregiver apps. Once properly set up, they can simply 'ask' the voice assistant to set reminders for later or call their loved ones on the phone.

How to Choose the Best Smart Home Devices for Seniors

Ready to add smart home upgrades to your space to help with aging in place? Here is how to choose the best smart home products for seniors:

1. Consider Ease of Use

Choose devices with simple interfaces and clear instructions. Voice-controlled devices and mobile apps or app-based controls can be particularly user-friendly for seniors.

2. Evaluate Compatibility

Ensure the devices and existing home technology are compatible. This allows for seamless integration and easier management, especially for older adults who are struggling with technology.

3. Assess Customer Support and Upgrades

Opt for brands or devices that offer reliable customer support and software updates to keep the devices functioning optimally and securely.

Empowering Independence with Smart Home Technology

Smart home devices offer endless benefits for seniors, from enhanced safety, comfort, and convenience to better health management. These devices are a great way to help elderly people aging in place live safer and more conveniently, improving their independence while reducing the risk of accidents.

By carefully selecting the right devices, elderly individuals can enjoy greater independence and peace of mind while aging in place.

JubileeTV offers a new experience in a simple system for your loved one aging in place. With the JubileeTV App, you'll enjoy peace of mind, knowing you can still see, talk to, and support your loved one even when you can't be there in person.

Get JubileeTV and be at ease caring for your older loved one. Remember, this isn't just about taking care of your older adult; it's also about giving them an easy, comfortable, and happy life at home in a world increasingly relying on innovation and technology.