Creating a senior friendly home with a well-connected ecosystem of smart home appliances and devices addresses the evolving needs of a growing senior population in Singapore.
After all, creating a conducive home living environment for silvers is more than just about elder-proofing the space with anti-slip mats and grab bars.
It’s also about making the home liveable, convenient and comfortable for silvers, who might not be as mobile or active as they once were.
Tasks of daily living that are often taken for granted, such as answering the doorbell or switching off the lights, can be difficult – or worse, dangerous – for older adults who aren’t as steady on their feet.
Smart home devices and appliances can help with all of these in numerous ways. Some automate gadgets by placing them on a fixed schedule, while others offer an alternate means of activation – think voice assistants, or an integrated app that goes on your ever-handy smartphone.
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Here is a list of devices and appliances worth considering if you’re thinking of setting up the ultimate senior-friendly smart home.
1. Smart plugs can save energy
Smart plugs are one of the most versatile tools to have in your smart home arsenal, as they turn anything that you plug into the wall, whether that be a bedside lamp, humidifier or radio, into a de-facto smart home device.
Depending on which smart plug you get, you can switch appliances on or off using just your smartphone – or with your voice, if you have it hooked up to home automation platforms like Alexa or Google Home.
Other nifty functions include the scheduling of devices for activation at certain times of the day and energy usage monitoring.
Consider: TP-Link Tapo P110, from $16 for one to $59.90 for a four-pack
2. Smart air-conditioning units to keep the home cool
Air-conditioning is an effective way to stay cool in tropical Singapore, if you’re willing to pay the price for all that electricity you’re consuming.
While many air-conditioning units from the major brands have gotten more energy efficient over time, a smart variant could help you find a better balance between a comfy, cool home and a monthly electricity bill that won’t give you a shock.
The best models allow you to control the settings of all units from a central device (usually your phone), switch units on based on your proximity to home and even set temperature schedules.
Consider: Daikin iSmile Series, price varies depending on unit
3. Smart video doorbell to ward off salesmen
Receiving visitors can be a hindrance as a silver with compromised mobility. Who wants to walk all the way to your front door, only to discover that the person ringing your doorbell is a door-to-door salesman or someone you don’t want to talk to?
Avoid the hassle with a video doorbell that allows you to answer the door – and reject their advances – with your mobile phone. There’s no need to get off the sofa – or even be home at all, since you can answer the door from anywhere.
Video doorbells are a senior friendly device that offers greater peace of mind for silvers living alone, as most come equipped with motion detectors, allowing you to capture decently high-quality footage of porch pirates rifling through your latest online deliveries, or annoying neighbours messing with your potted plants.
Consider: Xiaomi Smart Doorbell 3, $85.50
4. Robot vacuum to do your cleaning for you
While most smart home appliances and devices offer convenience by way of a well-connected tech ecosystem that can be controlled with your voice or smartphone, robot vacuums take it a step further by doing the work of cleaning your house for you.
Differences between major robot vacuum models stem from their battery life, capacity (some models can even empty themselves), suction power, mopping capabilities and navigation systems.
These robot vacuums can be placed on a schedule, with designated no-go zones around the house depending on homeowners’ needs.
By setting the robot vacuum to avoid cleaning the living room during the day, it becomes a senior friendly appliance that minimises the risk of someone tripping and falling over it.
Consider: Dreametech D10 Plus Robot Vacuum, $579
5. Non-invasive fall detection systems for senior-friendly smart homes
Recognising that falls might be deadly for seniors living alone, non-invasive fall detection and monitoring systems are becoming an increasingly popular part of senior friendly home setups.
These work in a number of ways: Some rely on detecting a lack of motion for a protracted period of time, while others analyse the environment for abnormal sounds and motions that might indicate a fall or injury.
These smart home devices are similar in how they attempt to be less obtrusive and invasive as compared to say, a video surveillance system; especially useful when it comes to covering areas of the house such as the bedroom and bathroom.
Consider: Red Cross’ HoME+ system, $48 a month
