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Make any home intuitive and safe for seniors

Home transformation

By Aniruddha Rao

Jan 30, 2025

Smart home setup for seniors – Beautiful Homes

Here’s your guide to designing smart homes for the elderly and specially-abled, with expert inputs from Rajiv Parekh of reD Architects

The integration of technology within our homes has reformed our way of life. For the elderly and specially-abled, smart home technology is far beyond luxury—it’s a lifeline that promotes independence, enhances safety, and improves overall quality of life. According to Rajiv Parekh, Principal Architect at reD Architects, "It allows them to stay independent and live on their own terms." Read on for some practical tips, products recommendations and expert insights.

SMART TECHNOLOGY IN DAILY LIFE

Amazon echo dot with Alexa – Beautiful Homes

Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa. Image courtesy, Amazon

Digital air fryer – Beautiful Homes

Philips Smart Air Fryer. Image courtesy, Amazon

Voice Assistants

Devices such as Amazon Echo (Alexa) and Google Nest Hub have made it possible to control everything from lighting and appliances to calling for help with just a voice command. Rajiv says, "Voice activation can now be integrated into most smart devices. Voice activated emergency service built into home automation will allow seniors to call in case of an untoward fall or injury.” These systems offer accessibility without requiring physical interaction, making them ideal for individuals with mobility or dexterity challenges.

Automation and Timers

Robotic vacuum cleaners, like the iRobot Roomba, or kitchen gadgets like the Philips Smart Airfryer reduce physical strain and help maintain a comfortable living environment. “You can get mattresses that are independently adjustable to sleep at various angles but can be installed in typical upholstered beds. And those that don’t build up heat when sleeping for longer hours, they provide support and better sleeping posture and have been greatly appreciated by our senior clients. The ability to automate basic tasks like switching on appliances or managing schedules through reminders is especially useful for people with memory issues. These solutions make a big difference in keeping day-to-day life running smoothly," adds Rajiv.

Lounge and reading area for seniors - Beautiful Homes

For seniors that love reading, this library/ lounge area was created in the extension of the living room for them to spend time in. Image courtesy, Weespaces

Apple Watch Series 9 - Beautiful Homes

Apple Watch Series 9. Image courtesy, Amazon

Health Monitoring Tools

The Omron Blood Pressure Monitor and ECG-enabled smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 9, ensure proactive healthcare management. These tools can alert caregivers or family members in case of irregularities. Wearable devices like Fitbit Charge 5 or GOQii Vital 4, monitor vital signs of your body and even your sleep.

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS

Fall-Detection Systems

Devices like the Vayyar Home or other wearables with fall-detection capabilities have the feature of automatically sending notifications to emergency contacts in case of an incident. Rajiv talks about integrating voice-activated emergency calls within the home, "We keep voice-activated emergency calls built into the space, including washrooms and shower areas, as people might not be able to reach a panic buttons during a fall. The key to effective safety solutions is ensuring they are intuitive. Technology should empower users without adding complexity. For instance, advanced fall-detection systems that work without requiring wearables are a game-changer."

Fall Detection System by Vayyar Care – Beautiful Homes

Vayyar Care: Touchless Fall Detection Device. Image courtesy, Amazon

Panic Button - Beautiful Homes

Panic Button. Image courtesy, Shutterstock

Panic Buttons and Emergency Alerts

Standalone panic buttons, like the Panic Alarm by Oakter or integrated solutions within voice-activated systems can be helpful during emergencies. However, Rajiv points out the privacy concerns, saying, “While these devices are lifesaving, they come at the price of compromising the users’ privacy with the manufacturing companies by constantly mining that data for commercial gains.”

Lighting Solutions

Advanced presence sensors like Signify, are more complex than the basic motion detectors to ensure that the lighting adapts to the user's presence. "They allow the lighting system to know if the person is in the room or not, even though there is no constant movement," Rajiv shares. This feature is particularly helpful for individuals with limited mobility.

Smart Locks and Video Doorbells

Godrej Smart Lock and Ring Video Doorbell provide secure access control and real time video feeds. These systems ensure that only known individuals enter the home along with providing a visual confirmation of visitors.

USER-CENTRIC DESIGN AND ACCESSIBILITY

● Intuitive Interfaces

The devices for seniors should have large and clear displays with simplified controls. For example, Rajiv mentions, "TV controls with large graphics that allow users to directly access specific channels or platforms with a single button press have been well-received." Products like the Amazon Fire TV Cube can be navigated by voice and remote, simplifying entertainment.

● Customisable Features

Customisation makes the smart home address singular needs. "We feel that each of us is unique, and the spaces we design allow people to celebrate and revel in their specific idiosyncrasies. So, we will always design spaces fine-tuned and calibrated for the user of that space. Almost to a point where no other person will fit into that space. It is like a custom-tailored suit vs a standard ready-made garment."

● Inclusive Design

Essential features for physical accessibility include grab bars, anti-slip flooring, and ergonomic furniture. Smart home ecosystems should be designed in a manner that they integrate into such setups, for instance, smart curtain systems like the Aqara Smart Curtain Motor enable automated light control without physical exertion.

Rajiv Parekh of reD Architects - Beautiful Homes

Rajiv Parekh of reD Architects

● Community Spaces

Beyond individual houses, community interaction has to be encouraged. Rajiv says, "We plan spaces that encourage social interaction with the community that the adults live in. Be it private homes or larger communities, we feel social interaction with people who care and provide a certain degree of intellectual and emotional stimulus is the most important thing for seniors."

Creating smart homes for the elderly or disabled is not only about installing devices; it’s about designing an ecosystem that prioritises independence, safety, and comfort.

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