![]() ![]() Unobtrusive design: We don’t recommend using devices to spy on anyone, but we did look for devices that wouldn’t clutter the home and could function without interrupting a person’s everyday life.Simple operation: Because all of these smart-home devices need to be operated and maintained remotely, we prioritized those that were easy for the caregiver to use from afar, as well as for the older adult living day-to-day with the technology.Safety: We considered a lot of different types of smart-home devices for this guide but decided to focus on safety and security, which is of particular concern for older people living at home and especially those living alone, according to the Administration for Community Living’s 2018 Profile of Older Americans (PDF).If you’re planning to use multiple devices or any that stream video, make sure the person’s home has sufficient Wi-Fi bandwidth, and if the home has poor reception in some areas, consider investing in a wireless extender or a Wi-Fi mesh-networking kit. Wireless connectivity: Most of these devices require a Wi-Fi connection in order to function.Many smart devices allow you to control them using at least one and often several of those platforms. The most popular platforms are Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. All the devices we selected work with iOS or Android devices, but if you intend to have several smart devices work together-to integrate them-first confirm that they support the same smart-home software platforms (you don’t want to discover later on that the devices can’t talk to one another). Smart-home functions: Most smart devices have a dedicated companion app that you use to set up and manage the device and to receive alerts and notifications.Remote control: Since the devices in this guide are intended to be managed by a family member or caregiver, they should be remotely accessible via an app or a web interface.They have no financial connections to any of the products we’ve covered in this guide.) “I never know what each individual will be comfortable with or what they won’t.” (Note: Grant funding for Oak Hill’s Smart Home on Wheels is provided by the Consumer Technology Association Foundation, AARP of Connecticut, AmRamp, and the State of Connecticut Tech Act Project. “I’ve actually done an assessment for a senior who wanted to start gaming and playing Grand Theft Auto, so I can never generalize,” said Kris Thompson, smart technology specialist and CAPS at the Oak Hill NEAT Center at the time of our interview. People aging in place don’t range just by age: Speech, motor, and mobility issues may have an effect on the devices that people need or want, although many options may overlap with those for people living an active, completely independent lifestyle. It’s also important to remember that most smart-home devices are not one-size-fits-all. The person should be fully informed that the devices are there, what they do, and how they work. Several of the experts we spoke with were quick to point out the importance of partnering in advance with the person who will be living with these devices so that they better understand how it can help them feel safer and more comfortable, and even live a more independent life. ![]() “In some cases, especially if paranoia is part of the symptoms a patient is experiencing, the risks may outweigh the gains from being able to observe someone.” A note from the doctor that says she is recommending this, which can be shown to the person later, can help,” he added. “A conversation should also include the impaired person, even if they aren’t able to remember it later. It is not a replacement for the necessary involvement to keep someone safe.” If a person is mentally incapacitated or has trouble making sound decisions, Dale recommends talking to a medical provider or the individual’s medical power of attorney. The camera can only observe, and it still requires someone to monitor and act quickly on a dangerous situation that occurs. “It is also important to note that if a person can’t be safe at home due to cognitive impairments, then one should consider a different living arrangement. “Safety is of highest importance, and if a person has to be home alone, a way to monitor them is reasonable after an explanation to them and others who are helping to care for them,” said William Dale, MD, PhD, professor and chair of supportive care medicine at the Center for Cancer and Aging at City of Hope. All of the experts we spoke with noted that the decision to install any devices should be made with the consultation and blessing of the individual in question. The decision to use this technology is a weighty issue due to security and privacy concerns. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |