How Smart Homes Can Help Caregivers

As advances in technology continue to develop, caregivers can take advantage of a connected smart home to support them in caring for vulnerable loved ones. 

There are around seven million carers in the UK, with that number set to increase by 3.4 million by 2030. Although caring for loved ones can carry positive aspects, many carers are finding it hard to juggle their own responsibilities or are worried about what might happen when they aren’t around. 

For caregivers, a connected smart home can play a major role in alleviating stress by providing help and peace of mind. Smart home technology can help to provide a safer and more secure environment for loved ones, whilst supporting anyone living with the challenges of caring.

While a smart home can help to keep your loved ones safe, they are by no means meant to replace expert care but are instead utilised to take some of the weight off your shoulders. In this article, we hope to shed light on how a smart home can work to assist caregivers and those in need of support.

Person using a smart home control app on mobile phone | Photo: Stanisic Vladimir via Adobe Stock

Keep a watchful eye through a home security camera:

Do you need to keep a watchful eye on someone but are struggling to keep up with other responsibilities and needs outside of their supervision? Installing a home security camera will allow you to keep an eye on family members or loved ones at any time, from anywhere. These cameras easily connect to your smartphone to provide you with the ability to monitor your home 24/7. Smart home cameras often include a two-way communication feature meaning you will be able to talk to your loved one or they can call out to you. 

Many homeowners, particularly those who live alone or are of older age, may have concerns about medical conditions they suffer from. Perhaps your ageing mother lives alone, or is susceptible to falls, adding a remote video source will allow you to check up on them or see if they need any assistance.

Know when someone leaves the house:

Do you have a family member who tends to wander off by themselves? Often those with Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia may not remember simple things like their name and address, and become disoriented, even in familiar places. 

By installing windows and door sensors, you will be alerted via an app when a door or window has been opened. This will help to reduce the stress of knowing if your loved one has wandered off and giving carers the opportunity to respond much quicker if this does happen.

Maintain a comfortable temperature: 

By using a smart thermostat, carers can control the temperature within a home. A smart thermostat can memorise your favourite temperature settings and automatically adjust throughout the day. Carers also have the ability to control the temperature via a smart device by using their smartphone whilst they are away.

Being able to control the heating and cooling in a home environment will give carers one less thing to worry about and help to reduce energy costs. If your loved ones want to change the temperature themselves, they can easily do so by using their voice assistant, like Google Assistant, to control their smart devices.

Boosted level of security: 

Ensuring that your loved ones or elderly relatives are safe when at home can be a difficult task. By installing a video doorbell you will be able to monitor the front door of their home from your smart device. A video doorbell is able to send an alert when someone presses the doorbell or approaches your home. Doubling up as a home security camera, installing a video doorbell will allow yourself or your loved ones to check who is at the door without having to get up to answer it. They will be able to use the doorbell to communicate with visitors via two-way communication.

Improved everyday tasks:

In regards to basic care, carers will want to make sure their loved ones are comfortable in their home environment with sufficient resources. Turning the lights on at night, drawing the blinds when it gets dark, or switching the heating on when the temperature drops, are all tasks which elderly family members may find difficult to do alone. Having a home with connected smart technology will allow caregivers to control these devices to create a more pleasant environment.

Control dangerous appliances or electronics: 

No matter what age we are, we all have a tendency to forget things. You may spend your time away from your loved ones worrying that they haven’t switched the oven off or turn off the tap. Remote automation within smart home technology allows for caregivers to turn off and control these appliances from smart devices. Emergency sensors can recognise fire, gas or water leaks, and can alert the resident, caregivers or emergency services when danger is detected. Carers can also set up a smart home system which can automatically shut off the gas or water supply in the house.

Control your entire smart home:

With the support of caregivers, a smarter home can help their loved ones to feel more secure and make independent living much easier. From switching on the lights and turning off the plug from your smartphone to making sure your loved one hasn’t wandered off, there are numerous benefits to setting up a smart home. Not only does it give caregivers peace of mind, but it also enhances the quality of life for your loved ones.

Now that you are aware of how technology can help to support caregivers, head to our website to find the best smart home devices.