Home automation is reaching a level of maturity that makes it a viable option for just about any home. Younger people are more likely to adopt home automation for the simple fact that they are more technologically attuned. But older people can benefit from it too. Consider middle-aged adults caring for their aging parents.
Whether aging parents continue living in their own home or move in with an adult child, there are worries to contend with. Adult children find themselves concerned about security, health and well-being, and a number of other challenges that come with age. Home automation can help by making it easier to manage things.
Vivint Smart Home is a smart home provider that recommends home automation and security for older adults. They offer the following four ways home automation can help adult children faced with caring for their aging parents:
1. Check in with Video
Wireless video is powerful technology. Among other things, it gives adult children the opportunity to check in on their parents throughout the day. By strategically placing video cameras around the home, adult children can periodically monitor their parents to make sure everything is okay.
Cameras with built-in audio systems take this particular feature to the next level by facilitating real-time communication in the event of an emergency. Imagine an aging parent falling and being unable to get back up. If one of their adult children discovers them lying on the floor when checking video feeds, the child can also use the on-board audio to communicate with them.
2. Access Medical Alert Service
Aging parents with chronic health conditions can be made safer with the addition of a medical alert service. A medical alert system involves a device worn either around the neck or on the wrist. In the event the wearer needs medical help, the simple push of a button does the trick. This type of system offers both adult child and aging parent some extra peace of mind.
3. Automate Important Reminders
Adding a smart speaker to a home automation system is one way to automate important reminders. For example, an adult child can program their father’s smart speaker to remind him when it is time to take his daily medications. The smart speaker will not forget. It will not fail to issue the reminder because it got delayed in a business meeting. The smart speaker will issue the reminder on schedule, every time.
4. Control Locks and Thermostats Remotely
Home automation allows adult children to monitor thermostats and locks even if aging parents decide to stay in their own homes. With a simple mobile app, an adult child can check to see if doors are locked. And if not, a swipe of the finger takes care of it. If mom or dad should ever lock themselves out of the house, an adult child can unlock the door remotely.
Where thermostats are concerned, aging parents may forget to adjust them. Or they may not know how to program them. A smart thermostat installed as part of a complete home automation system allows adult children to control the thermostat remotely.
Caring for aging parents is not always easy. Anything adult children can do to streamline their efforts makes things easier for everyone. To that end, home automation is a fantastic tool that adult children can put to use on behalf of their aging parents. From medical alerts to video cameras and smart locks, home automation offers a lot of different ways to take care of things at home on behalf of parents who might need a little help.
