Explore 7 must-have smart devices to help enhance your safety, comfort, and independence at home. Learn how to age in place with ease in this guide.
The 7 Best Smart Home Devices for the Elderly
For a long time, the idea that older adults and technology don’t mix was a common stereotype. But, as technology has continued to advance, many older adults are now using smart home devices to help them live independently and comfortably.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven essential smart home devices for the elderly that are designed to make everyday life easier, from enhancing safety to boosting comfort and ease.
With over 3.3 million people aged 65 and over living alone in the UK, it’s no surprise that technology plays an increasingly important role in supporting their independence, helping them maintain their social life and boosting their safety.
Creating a smart home can be a game-changer for the elderly and disabled people of any age. For older adults living by themselves, these devices can offer practical, simple solutions to everyday challenges, from mobility issues to staying connected with family and even alerting the relevant authorities in the event of a fall.
Not only do they help improve the day-to-day experience for older adults, but they also give your family members peace of mind, knowing their loved ones can continue living in their own homes safely.
Smart technology is becoming more common among older adults, with around 31% of people aged 65 and over using at least three smart devices in their home.
A big factor driving this trend is the widespread use of smartphones. In fact, 67% of those aged 65+ and 88% of those aged 55-64 have a smartphone, which makes it easy to control everything from lights to security systems all from one device.
From touchless light switches to home lifts, there are so many devices on the market that cater to every need, helping older adults stay connected, maintain their homes, and avoid some of the challenges that come with ageing. Here are seven must-have devices to create a smart home for the elderly:
Voice-activated lighting is one of the most convenient smart devices for older adults. It lets you control the lights around your home using simple voice commands, like “turn lights on” and “lights off”. If bending down to reach lamps or accessing regular light switches is difficult because of limited mobility or health conditions such as arthritis, a voice-activated light can make a huge difference in maintaining your independence. These devices can also be set to adjust based on the time of day, so your home is always lit just the way you need it. Plus, they’re easy to set up and often integrate with other smart devices, including voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
A video doorbell is a simple but effective way to increase home safety, particularly for older adults who might feel vulnerable at their doorstep. These devices allow you to see and communicate with visitors without needing to open the door or even be anywhere near it. It’s especially useful when unexpected callers or potential doorstep scammers come knocking, helping you protect yourself and your possessions. Most video doorbells send alerts directly to your smartphone, letting you answer the door remotely from wherever you are. This means you only have to speak to people you know and trust.
Smart appliances help to make everyday tasks much easier as you get older. For example, you might opt for a smart fridge that tells you when you’re low on groceries, or an app that lets you control your oven from your phone and makes cooking much simpler with no fiddly dials and switches. For those living with dementia, these devices are a game-changer. They can send reminders to help with essential tasks, like taking medications or preparing meals, making sure nothing gets missed. Most of these appliances are also energy-efficient, helping you save more on your bills.
Smart locks take security to the next level, giving you peace of mind with keyless entry. Whether you’re at home or away, you can lock and unlock doors using your smartphone, a code, or even your voice. For older adults, particularly those with mobility issues or conditions like arthritis, not having to fumble with keys is a huge benefit. Plus, you can grant access remotely, so family members or caregivers can check in without you needing to be at the door in person to let them in. Make sure you take care when opening your doors remotely. Always check that you know the person and leave the door closed if you’re unsure.
Home lifts are a great way to regain access to your entire home as you age, helping you continue to age in place without the challenge of navigating stairs. These lifts provide a simple, safe way to move between floors without strain or risk of falls. Designed to fit seamlessly into your home, home lifts make life easier for those with limited mobility, without sacrificing the look and feel of the home you’re familiar with. For those with arthritis, dementia, or other mobility-related issues, a home lift offers unparalleled convenience, making this technology a must-have for a truly independent lifestyle.
Fall detectors are wearable devices designed to detect when you’ve slipped over. They’re usually worn as either a necklace or wristband, and use motion sensors to monitor your movements and detect any sudden changes in posture. When a fall is detected, the device immediately sends an alert to all registered family members, caregivers, or emergency services, meaning help will be on the way in no time – even if you’re unable to get up and call for help yourself. Some fall detectors even include a built-in GPS, so help can reach you no matter where you are.
Smart plugs are devices that turn regular appliances into smart ones. By plugging them into your existing sockets, you can control lights, fans, and other electronics remotely using your smartphone or a voice assistant. Once connected, smart plugs let you schedule when devices turn on or off, or even control them using voice commands. Whether it’s switching on a light before getting out of bed or turning off the TV from the sofa, these devices help to make small, everyday tasks easier for those who struggle with getting up or operating on/off buttons and switches. Learn more about adapting your home with our guide.
As technology continues to evolve, so do the ways we can adapt our homes to make them safer and more future-proof. Integrating smart home devices like the ones we’ve covered can make a huge difference in maintaining your comfort as you age. If you’re looking to make your home safer, more accessible, and ready for the future, explore our range of Stiltz home lifts, including the Duo and the wheelchair-friendly Trio models. Contact us today for more information, or take a look at our blog for more inspiration on how to age in place.
Easy to arrange lots of information, No problems with fitting, payment taken in stages, last payment when job was completed. Everyone was friendly from start to finish.
My experience with Stiltz Homelifts. Just over a month ago, I had my Stiltz lift installed and I am so pleased with it. The workmen that came and fitted it were very professional and knew what they were doing. They were so professional I would not hesitate to recommend Stiltz lifts to anybody.
Great looking product, knowledgeable sales people, fitters work clean quickly and polite. Definitely recommend.
Great stylist lift, had for six months without a hitch. Installed by company staff not subcontractors. Cannot fault the lift, buying experience, installation, service. Good company ethos and made in UK.
From the very beginning with the initial construction to the finished product. I have never seen such polite men with an equal work ethic. They cleaned as they went each day. The pets were never in harm. The finished product is awesome. Couldn’t be more pleased
Excellent from beginning to end – and beyond.
Everybody we dealt with at Stiltz was very helpful and efficient, from the initial meeting with Nick Sale, the sales rep, thorough technical inspection, the builders, installers, plumber, electrician, and excellent follow up service and attention. My husband’s life is transformed and mine is much easier. Thank you Stiltz.
Elegant lift, promptly installed by careful and tidy fitters who removed their rubbish the following day. A fair price and an envied addition to our home.
I have been astounded and gratified by the levels of service we have received from every member of the Stiltz teams we have dealt with. A superb lift with exceptional service!
An excellent company from the first contact to the completed project. All personnel were friendly and very polite but stayed extremely professional throughout. Having been in the construction industry for over 40 years I was aware the preparation work was carried out to a high standard by the best of trades people. The lift itself can not be faulted both the operation and aesthetics.
The service was better than 1st class. It was excellent in every way. We could not be more pleased with everything Stiltz applied it’s self to in any way. We would award 6 stars at the very least.
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