Technology and Smart Homes for People with Disabilities

If you have a loved one with disabilities, you know the day-to-day responsibilities can be overwhelming. Our Elders need more assistance as they age. One source of relief for family members is a home care or adult daycare agency like SarahCare, with the time and resources necessary to keep your loved one safe and happy. 

Technology Solutions for People with Disabilities. 

This is one part of a bigger picture. Enter stage right, technology. The advances in gadgets for aging individuals and their homes are amazing. Just think of it:

• Computers and tablets with larger screens and keyboards for easy viewing.
• Free or low-cost cellphones.
• Activity and health trackers
• Assistive devices
• Voice recognition and activated assistance like Amazon Echo
• Doorbell cameras
• Smart medication dispensers
• Video conferencing 

And so many more. Some items people with disabilities can manage on their own. People can configure other items beforehand to perform the intended job without needing external assistance. And, if you have an in-home companion like those we provide at SarahCare, that person can monitor the technology in case of malfunctions and outages.

Smart Homes for People with Disabilities

Besides various pieces of equipment, Smart Homes can significantly improve the lives of the elderly and people with disabilities. They can enjoy greater control over their living space and can experience increased independence. The technology in a smart house simplifies daily activities, often through voice-activated and automated systems. If, for example, they want to change the heating level or turn on a light, there’s no need to get up! They can speak their commands or use a remote. 

Benefits of Smart Homes for Seniors with Limitations

Perhaps the most incredible beauty of smart homes is the ability to personalize them. They’re not going to look sanitized and bereft of any character.  Additionally, people can design a home’s features considering individual limitations. And as situations change, a smart house can evolve similarly.

Other benefits include

• Accessibility: The features on stoves, the height of sinks and cupboards, wheelchair ramps, and open-flooring models are all convenient and improve the individual’s quality of life. Safe mobility is essential.
• Automation: It is possible to automate so many tasks. Want the blinds down? Push a button! The goal is to provide disabled individuals with access to all areas of their home and the necessary tools to use their house efficiently. 
• Control: All the systems in a smart home are customizable to accommodate disabilities, and meet personal needs.
• Off-site Monitoring: Connected devices provide family or professional caregivers with ongoing information about a person’s well-being. One example is fall notification. 
• Security Systems: These provide peace of mind, since many family caregivers do not live with their challenged seniors.

Additional Assistance for People with Disabilities from SarahCare

Even with all the technology in smart homes, the human touch matters. At SarahCare in Philadelphia, we work closely with families, offering both home and community-based services. Our company earned recognition for having quality, caring professionals who ensure an individual’s safety and dignity. We have offices in Bucks and Montgomery County, and are happy to meet with you to discuss options and answer questions. 

Give us a call at 215-277-0000 or email us. We look forward to speaking with you.