How Smart Homes Are Boosting Safety, Comfort, and Independence for Seniors

From smart lighting to refrigerators, thermostats to floor heating, smart home technology has been taking US households by storm, with as many as 69.91 million American households actively using smart home devices in 2024. Smart technology is enabling homeowners to save energy, cut back on electricity costs, and feel safer than ever, but it also holds great promise for seniors—both those living alone and those who are part of multigenerational homes. Read on to discover specific smart home features that are helping boost the quality of life and safety of people aged over 65.

Smart Security Systems

For many seniors living alone or with their partners, safety is a concern, since factors such as having predictable routines and physical limitations make the elderly more vulnerable to home burglaries. Smart home security systems comprise doorbell cameras, and smart locks can enhance safety as they allow seniors to view visitors prior to answering the door and allow designated family members to enter the home automatically. This feature is particularly useful in the case of emergency situations. It can also reduce the burden to answer doors quickly on elderly persons with limited mobility.

Automated Lighting and Thermostats

Smart lighting and thermostats, which permit homeowners to program hours of heat or cooling and lighting, can save a big chunk of seniors’ energy bills. They can also ensure that dwellers do not have to get up frequently to adjust the lighting and temperature. Smart applications can be programmed from smartphones via WiFi or Bluetooth, so that seniors who need a little help with programming can simply share key passwords with loved ones, who can take charge of programming duties.

Intelligent Home Monitoring

Many families opt for respite care, a short-term form of care in which their loved ones either attend a day center or enjoy care from a specialized caregiver at home, usually for a few hours a day.

 Doing so ensures that senior loved ones are well-fed and accompanied while their loved ones are away. However, seniors who remain at home for more than one or two hours can benefit from smart home monitoring devices, which use sensors to monitor daily routines and alert caregivers of unusual patterns. The sensors check for anomalies in physical activity, unusual presences, usage frequencies, and habit changes. The aim is to promote independence and prevent unnecessary hospitalization.

Automated Cleaning Devices

Smart homes also typically contain automated cleaning devices such as robotic vacuums, which can remove dust and debris from floors without causing physical strain to senior homeowners. Top devices include wet-and-dry vacuum cleaners, light tags (which advise users when food is about to go bad), and smart air quality monitors. These devices measure a home’s temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure.

Smart home technology is all the rage among home dwellers of all ages, owing to its ability to save on costs and energy use. However, automation and smart devices are also going a long way toward making homes safer for seniors. From fall detection sensors to smart security systems, they are ensuring that older people feel more secure and independent in their homes.