When you picture assisted living, what does it look like? Maybe you’re envisioning a facility where older adults live and receive care from a dedicated staff.
But the meaning of “assisted living” is evolving with the integration of AI into smart home technologies. These innovations can transform homes into supportive environments, enabling people to live independently for longer.
Smart Home Technologies That Enhance Independence
Smart homes can help every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, but older adults and those with limited mobility stand to benefit the most. These homes use smart devices to promote independence, safety and security, giving families confidence in their elder members’ ability to age in place.
What Is a Smart Device?
A smart device connects to the internet and can operate autonomously. Most smart devices can be controlled via smartphone apps or, for easier use by older adults, tablets.
While not all smart devices are AI-driven, the trend is moving toward AI integration. Many tech experts predict that smart homes will be fully AI-driven in less than a decade, potentially reducing the need for traditional assisted living facilities by older adults requiring advanced care.
Voice-Powered Assistants
Operated by simple voice commands, AI-driven devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are increasingly used by older adults to:
- Control other smart home devices.
- Perform multiple actions simultaneously, such as closing blinds and turning on lights.
- Provide appointment and medication reminders.
- Answer questions.
- Make phone calls.
- Play music and other content.
- Access news and weather updates.
Complete Home Security Systems
Sensors and cameras monitor property access and the home itself using visual and movement data. They can also automatically alert authorities under certain conditions. However, installing cameras inside homes raises privacy concerns, complicated by cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting systems offer energy savings and flexibility in controlling household lighting. They can be scheduled, motion- or voice-activated, or controlled manually from a mobile device. This ensures older adults getting out of bed at any hour will be able to navigate the home safely.
Smart Thermostats
Older adults may forget to adjust the thermostat, but a smart thermostat can do this automatically based on a preprogrammed schedule or learned heating and cooling patterns. This provides additional energy and cost savings.
Smart Window Blinds
An older adult enjoying natural light during the day may not remember to close the blinds at night, posing privacy and security risks. Smart window blinds can operate on a schedule or automatically respond to light and heat levels.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs convert non-smart devices into smart ones when linked to a mobile app. They allow older adults to control traditional lamps without getting up and automatically turn them off at set times. Smart plugs also prevent dangerous situations by alerting the user when space heaters or heating pads are left on.
Smart Keyless Locks
There’s a knock at the door. If an older adult is alone at home and unsure whether they locked their door, they can secure it by pressing a button on their mobile device, ensuring their safety.
Smart Pill Dispensers
Older adults often take multiple medications daily. Smart pill dispensers help manage scheduling and dispensing via touchscreens and automated alerts.
Smart Contact Sensors
When a full smart home security system isn’t feasible, strategically placed contact sensors can monitor door, window, refrigerator or pantry activity. All these are crucial for remotely supervising an older adult’s welfare.
Make a Smart Choice for Your Career Prospects
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Investigate technology with a gerontology lens through courses such as Gerontechnology in your choice of 30-credit online master’s degrees:
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Explore aging from multiple perspectives as you gain the expertise to advocate for older adults. - Online Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging
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Or build skills and enhance your resume and medical school application quickly with a 15-credit graduate certificate:
- Online Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice
Enter a UF master’s program in aging after completing this certificate and you may be able to apply up to 15 credits toward the degree, cutting your time to graduation in half!
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Sources:
https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/smart-home-or-building
https://ewcstatic.thehartford.com/thehartford/the_hartford/files/CMME/home-maintenance-guide.pdf
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/smart-home-for-seniors
https://www.accessibility.works/blog/ai-smart-home-accessibility
https://www.scip.org/news/679604/Smart-Technologies-for-Smart-Aging-How-AI-is-Revolutionizing-Elderly-Care-.htm
https://pgsignal.com/2024/03/04/will-ai-finally-make-smart-homes-smart/