- Sensors that detect movement in key areas of the house
- Smart plugs that let you know when appliances are used
- Smart speakers to call 911 in case of falling
- Smart locks to open the door in case parents are unresponsive
- Lights that activate with movement for midnight walks
The smart home tech industry for seniors has exploded in recent years. There are all sorts of gadgets that claim to make lives easier and safer. However, asking your 82-year-old father to learn new skills or to renew monthly subscriptions is not viable. This is why we want to present you with the best smart tech for aging parents.
What to Look For when Searching for the Best Smart Tech for Aging Parents?
The best smart tech for aging parents is the one that runs quietly in the background and doesn’t require opening an app or pressing a button. The features, no matter how appealing they may sound, are worthless if your parent doesn’t know how to use them.
This CDC study shows that 1 in 4 adults over 65 falls each year, leading to increased injury risks. However, this can be prevented with the right tools.
Sensors vs. Cameras
75% of older adults want to live in their own homes. And this is stressful for their adult children, who want to know that their parents are safe. On the other hand, parents do not like the idea of being monitored, so cameras are rarely accepted.
This is when passive motion and contact sensors come in handy. They are practical because they last for about 2 years on their batteries. They are easy to install. You can put them anywhere in the house, like the fridge or medicine cabinet, because there is no video involved. If you see no motion in the places that your parent uses on a regular basis, you can call and see if everything is ok.
These sensors are not expensive and don’t require anything from your parent in order to function properly. The Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2, for example, is about $34.
If your parent is not comfortable with mounting something on the wall, a good alternative is the Parents are OK app. It is easy to install on your parent’s phone, and it sends inactivity alerts if the phone is not used for 24 hours or if the battery runs low. There is no GPS or location tracking involved.
Smart Plugs
A cheaper version of the sensors is smart plugs. The Kasa EP25, for example, costs around $13. You can use it for the coffee maker, TV, or night lamp, and you can see when your parent uses them. This way, you can follow the pattern and not the person. Furthermore, they don’t interfere with your parent’s lifestyle, and they can carry on with their habits.
Smart Speaker
As we mentioned above, falling is the number one hazard for seniors. It is hard to think of your parent lying on the phone, unable to reach their phone. A solution for this kind of scenario is the smart speaker. The Amazon Echo Dot costs around $50, and your parent can use it to ask it to call you from anywhere in the room.
The free features include basic calls and reminders, but if your parent is already used to “Alexa” or “Siri”, you can go for the AI tier that comes with extra costs.
Smart Locks
Another useful tech to have in case of emergencies is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. It costs around $230 and allows you to open your parent’s door from any corner of the world. This is extremely useful in case of falls or if your parent doesn’t reply to your calls for a longer period of time. You can also ask a neighbor to go and quickly check them.
Smart Lights
Most falls happen on the midnight walk to the bathroom, when the switch is too far to reach. You can eliminate the risk with a motion nightlight that activates when it senses movement. You can use it in the hallways and even under the bed for extra safety.
The Gadgets Worth Skipping
Just because a gadget is “smart”, it doesn’t mean it is useful for your parents. Here are some examples of when you should think twice before buying:
- Smart appliances: because your elderly parents may find it difficult to use a fridge or an oven that requires an app to start;
- Senior tablets: they usually come with a monthly plan and do no more than a basic speaker would;
- Anything that runs only on batteries: they are hazardous because they can drain overnight and become useless.
Conclusion
These smart gadgets come at a reasonable price and can be incredibly useful for both you and your parents. Just make sure your parent accepts them before actually buying. Another thing worth mentioning is that you need to install them yourself and explain how they work and what they need to do in case of an emergency.
Keep in mind that the best smart tech for aging parents is the one they will accept and use.
