Grandparents Get A Smart Home, Kinda.
As technology advances, it offers new opportunities to support our elderly loved ones, particularly our grandparents, in maintaining their independence while ensuring their safety. For one of our team members, this challenge led to the creation of a smart home system designed to protect their grandparents without infringing on their personal space. By incorporating innovative tools such as smart door sensors, lightbulbs, and remote monitoring, they were able to monitor safety and provide assistance when needed, all while respecting their grandparents’ privacy and autonomy.
In this article, we'll explore how these smart home tools are revolutionizing the way we care for ageing family members, providing both security and peace of mind.
Smart Door Sensors: A Silent Sentinel
“When setting up the smart home system, security was the top priority. After all, safety is a constant concern in our country, but it's also important to avoid making anyone feel confined or restricted. The solution was finding a system that both enhances security while being easy to use and respects privacy. One crucial component was installing discreet smart door sensors at every entry point. These sensors continuously monitor whether doors are open or closed, sending real-time alerts when necessary.
For example, if a door is left open after a certain time—say, after 5 pm—these sensors send a voice alert to my grandparents, informing them which door was left open. This proactive system provides an extra layer of security without the need for constant manual checks, while still allowing my grandparents to manage their home independently."
Smart Lightbulbs: Visual Alerts with a Red Glow
“Another important piece of the system is the use of smart lightbulbs, which offer both functional and security benefits. During normal evening hours, the lights turn on before sunset and turn off when they go to bed. When the alarm system is armed, a smart lightbulb will dimly glow red, clearly signalling that the home is being monitored. This visual cue is unobtrusive yet effective, providing reassurance that the system is armed.
In addition, the alarm system can be controlled via smart buttons placed near key areas like the front door and the bedroom. A quick press arms or disarms the system, but if an emergency arises, a long press on the button triggers an alert to family members, activates the siren, and all the lights flash red. This visual and audible alert ensures that even if my grandparents don't hear the siren, they are still made aware of any potential danger or hopefully scare off any unwanted visitors in the night”
Seamless Remote Monitoring: Staying Connected Without Intrusion
“One of the most comforting features of this smart home system is the ability to remotely monitor everything. Using a smartphone, we can stay informed about door sensor activity, alarm triggers, and motion detection, all in real time. A PR (Passive Infrared) sensor in the home adds another level of monitoring—alerting them if motion is detected when the alarm is armed or if no motion is detected anywhere in the home by midday, alerting us. Additionally, fall detection ensures that we are immediately notified if there’s a risk of a fall, providing an extra layer of protection.
The system only sends notifications when something out of the ordinary occurs, so we’re not constantly checking in but can act promptly if needed. This balance between oversight and respect for their privacy is crucial for elderly loved ones who value their independence.’
Why This Approach Works for Seniors
This integration of smart home technology creates a seamless balance between security and independence. The door sensors, smart lightbulbs, and remote monitoring provide the necessary tools to ensure safety while allowing our grandparents to go about their daily lives without intrusion. Automation reduces the risk of missed alerts, and the system’s proactive nature ensures we can intervene swiftly when necessary.