The Accessible Home: Guide to Smart Technology for Independent Living
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, smart home solutions offer an exciting opportunity for those of all abilities to maintain independence and enhance their quality of life.
We often hear about “smart home” technology and think of it as a nice-to-have, or maybe even a ridiculous indulgence, but what we don’t often consider is how it can help our mobility and overall ability. Or what it could mean to those with less independence at the moment, and those that care for them.
Women are, of course, the primary caregivers, in both paid and unpaid roles (1 in 5 caregivers are unpaid). And to compound things, women also experience disability at a greater rate then men. From UN Women:
“Since women outlive men by an average of 5 years, they constitute a larger share of the older population. They also spend more of their lives in ill health or with a disability (rates for women and men aged 50+ can reach 40.1% to 23.8%, respectively). This contributes to older women being over-represented among those requiring care and support. For instance, in the European Union, at age 65+, 33% of women need care compared to 19% of men.”
So smart home tools can mean a lot to women, and help to relieve the burden as caregivers.
Report Table of Contents:
What Exactly is a “Smart Home”
At its core, a "smart home" is a residence equipped with devices, appliances, and systems that can be remotely controlled, automated, and interconnected through a central hub or network. These technologies communicate with each other and with the resident through internet connectivity, creating an *intelligent* living environment that responds to programmed preferences, schedules, and voice commands. It can mean a level of control and autonomy that many don’t experience in their lives.
Remember the Clapper? Eighties nostalgia aside, it does show how long we’ve pursued technology-supported autonomy at home.
From lighting and temperature control to security systems and entertainment, smart home technology can turn our conventional homes into something more responsive that adapts to our needs and preferences.
By automating routine tasks and expanding accessibility, smart home devices can have implications for everyone (at every stage of our lives), from empowering seniors to lessening the demands of those caring for ageing families. The technology can also help those who have short-and long-term disabilities giving them personal autonomy, reducing the cost of care, and ensuring a good quality of life.
Room-by-Room Guide to Home Adaptations
Whether you're adapting a home for yourself or a loved one, these technologies can transform living spaces into supportive environments that adapt to changing needs while promoting safety, comfort, and independence. It’s exciting when you consider the potential. Here’s a start:
Entryway, Door and Home Security Innovation
Smart locks can be programmed to automatically lock doors and operated remotely, allowing someone who uses a wheelchair to let visitors in without going to the front door. Video doorbells enhance security by allowing residents to see and speak with visitors without opening the door.
Most smart doorbells can be installed as replacements for existing doorbells with basic tools. Smart locks typically replace the interior portion of existing deadbolts, often requiring just a screwdriver. But overall they shouldn’t be too complicated to install.
There are a number of options when it comes to price. A wireless doorbell with flashing light notifications can cost around $30-50, such as the Honeywell Home 3 Series Wireless Doorbell. Smart doorbells with a camera that send alerts to smart phones when someone is at the door are available in the range of $100-150, such as the Blink Video Doorbell. And finally, there are also premium options, with more bells and whistles including smart entry systems with facial recognition, remote unlock, and integration with voice assistants in the home. Even then the price is generally still under $500.
Living Rooms: Smart Device Control and Intelligent Lightening
Obviously each of us creates and defines our home *living rooms* differently. But in all cases there is room to make the environment more convenient. Voice assistants can provide hands-free control over other smart devices too. They can help set reminders, play music, and even make calls through simple voice commands. Smart lighting can also automatically adjust based on time of day or activate when motion is detected, reducing fall risks.
A few options, that require voice control, include:
Budget » Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a compact smart speaker with Alexa voice assistant, physical buttons, and improved audio quality.
Mid-range » Google Nest Hub has a smart display with Google Assistant that allows video calls, shows reminders, and controls other smart devices.
Premium » Amazon Echo Show 10 is a bit more of a comprehensive voice-controlled home hub with a screen that rotates to follow you around the room.
For those that are non-verbal there are options that don’t require voice activation including:
Visual Control Apps » Home Assistant or Google Home App can allow for control of smart devices through tap interfaces on smartphones or tablets without requiring voice commands.
Switch Controls » Physical buttons, joysticks, or touch-sensitive pads that can be customized to control smart home functions for those with limited mobility or speech. For example, Adaptive switches.
Eye-tracking Systems » Tobii Dynavox offers an advanced systems that allow users to control smart home devices using eye movements, particularly valuable for those with severe mobility limitations.
Smart Home Hubs with Alternative Inputs » Home Assistant Yellow offer smart home hubs that can be programmed to respond to various inputs, including button presses, motion, or custom sensors.
Smart Lighting: Easy Set Up
Smart lighting can be even easier to set up and enjoy. These automatically adjust based on time of day or activate when motion is detected, reducing fall risks. The great part: smart plugs require no installation beyond plugging them in, and smart bulbs screw into existing fixtures. More advanced lighting systems may require professional installation, but overall the basics of smart lighting are low effort and extremely handy.
A few examples:
Budget » Wyze Bulb Color are an example of smart bulbs with no hub required, offering multiple colors and voice control compatibility.
Mid-range » Premium smart bulbs with adjustable brightness and many color options are also available, such as Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance.
Premium » On the premium side, there are complete system with bulbs and motion sensors for automated lighting, for instance Philips Hue Smart Lighting Starter Kit.
Kitchen Safety and Peace-of-Mind
Kitchen smart devices can be particularly important to an individual’s safety and autonomy. Smart kitchen devices can reduce the risk of accidents by providing automatic shutoff features and alerts for potential hazards like stoves left on (and to be honest, who couldn’t use that?) Medication dispensers can also help maintain health by ensuring prescriptions are taken correctly and on schedule. Having these in the kitchen can support consistent medication taking too.
Budget » Kasa Smart Plugs can convert regular appliances to smart devices, allowing remote control via app and voice command.
Mid-range » First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector is more can send smartphone alerts and offers voice location technology to identify where danger is occurring.
Premium » Finally, there is Safera Sense Stove Guard which is an advanced stove monitoring system that detects when burners are left on and automatically shuts off power to prevent fires,
Medication Management
Budget option » Simple but effective pill organizers are available with multiple daily alarms and flashing light reminders. For example, TabTime Super 8 Electronic Pill Timer.
Mid-range » For a bit more there are locked medication systems with customizable reminders and caregiver notifications for missed doses. For examples, the MedMinder Jon Smart Pill Dispenser.
Premium » At the higher level are automatic dispensers that holds up to 10 different medications and provides notifications through a companion app, such as Hero Medication Dispenser.
Bedroom: Piece of Mind and a Good Night’s Slpee
Smart bedroom technology can improve sleep quality through optimized lighting and temperature, while monitoring vital signs and alerting to potential health concerns during the night. Most bedroom smart devices are plug-and-play or require minimal installation. Smart blinds may require brackets or professional mounting.
Budget option » Affordable fitness trackers with comprehensive sleep tracking and nearly 10-day battery life can be a great way to monitor sleep, a good choice: Fitbit Inspire 3.
Mid-range » The next level is an under-mattress sleep analyzer that tracks sleep cycles, heart rate, and potential sleep apnea with no wearable required, try: Withings Sleep Tracking Mat.
Premium » Oura Ring is a sophisticated smart ring that provides detailed sleep metrics and health data with a comfortable, non-intrusive design.
Accessible Lighting and Controls
Budget » GE Cync Motion-Activated Night Light are motion-sensing lights that automatically illuminate when movement is detected.
Mid-range » Lutron Caseta Wireless Dimmer Kit is a voice- and app-controlled smart lighting system with physical remote options.
Premium » Finally, Somfy Motorized Blinds are a great option for anyone! These voice-activated window coverings that can be programmed for different times of day.
Bathroom Innovation
Bathroom smart technology addresses one of the highest-risk areas in the home, of course, so providing emergency assistance if needed and reducing the risk of falls and scalding accidents is a huge advancement. Simple devices like water-resistant buttons and night lights can be installed without professional help. Smart showers and faucets typically require a plumber.
Budget » Removable bathroom grab bars with powerful suction cups that require no installation are a easy low cost tool, check out Vive Suction Grab Bars.
Mid-range » Kohler Choreograph Shower Seat are wall-mounted fold-down shower seats that supports up to 300 pounds.
Premium »American Standard Walk-In Shower is on the higher end, but a more comprehensive option. These low-threshold showers have built-in seating, grab bars and anti-slip flooring.
Smart Fixtures
Budget » Delta Temp2O Digital Temperature Display Shower Head offers a shower head with LED temperature display to prevent scalding
Mid-range » Moen U Smart Shower Controller is a digital shower controller with voice activation via Alexa/Google Assistant.
Premium » Kohler DTV+ Digital Showering System is a more expensive option that is a comprehensive digital showering system with customizable presets, voice control, and multiple spray zones.
Throughout the Entire Home
Finally, there are solutions that help with cleaning, with overall safety and can fit a variety of needs. Voice interface assistants like Amazon Echo or Google Home can support older people's social health through companionship and physical health through automated reminders, while relieving caregiver burden by offsetting daily tasks.
Robotic vacuums also require no installation beyond initial setup and charging — and then literally off the go. Emergency systems range from simple wearables to professionally installed monitoring systems, but provide an extra level of protection.
Cleaning Solutions
Budget » Affordable robot vacuum excellent for hardwood floors and pet hair removal. Check out iLife V3s Pro.
Mid-range » iRobot Roomba Combo J5+ is a more expensive smart robot vacuum and mop with self-emptying bin and obstacle avoidance
Premium » At the high level there is the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is an advanced all-in-one robot with self-emptying, self-cleaning, and excellent navigation.
Health and Emergency Systems
Budget » An Apple AirTag with Clip Mount is an affordable tracking solution to help locate commonly misplaced items, but can be used in a number of ways
Mid-range » Amazon Echo Show 8 is a slightly more expensive multi-purpose smart display with video calling, medication reminders, and drop in feature for checking on loved ones
Premium » Wearable emergency alert system with fall detection, GPS location tracking, and two-way communication can be beneficial in the home. Check out Medical Guardian MGMove Smartwatch.
Privacy & Security Considerations
While smart home technology offers significant benefits for independent living, it's important to consider privacy and security implications, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and people with disabilities.
Studies show that stigma, privacy, ease of use, and cost are significant concerns of older adults when considering smart home technology. Taking proactive steps to address these concerns can help ensure that technology enhances rather than compromises quality of life.
A few things to consider:
Data Minimization » Choose devices that process data locally when possible, rather than sending everything to the cloud. As smart homes increasingly utilize AI to predict user needs, more behavioral monitoring occurs, raising privacy concerns about the extensive personal data collected.
Regular Audits » Periodically review which devices are collecting what information and adjust privacy settings accordingly.
Secure Networks » Use strong Wi-Fi passwords and consider setting up a separate network specifically for smart home devices.
Reputable Manufacturers » Select products from established companies with clear privacy policies and security track records.
What to Do to Keep Safe
Keep Firmware Updated » Regularly update all devices to patch security vulnerabilities.
Choose strong, Unique Passwords » Use different complex passwords for each device and account.
Two-Factor Authentication » Enable this additional security layer whenever available.
Voice Control Precautions » Be aware of when voice assistants are listening and consider muting microphones when not in use.
Finally, hacking is a major security risk for smart homes, as cyber criminals can exploit weak security measures to access networks, control devices, steal sensitive data, or disable security systems. For elderly or disabled users who may be less tech-savvy, it's often helpful to have a trusted family member or caregiver assist with managing privacy settings and security updates.
Getting Started on Your Smart Home
Smart home technology offers transformative possibilities for independent living, regardless of age or ability. By thoughtfully implementing these technologies room by room, homes can become more accessible, safer, and supportive of autonomy and dignity. The range of available options at different price points makes it possible to create customized solutions that address individual needs and preferences.
As these technologies continue to evolve, they will become increasingly intuitive and responsive, further enhancing their potential to support aging in place and independent living for people with disabilities. The investment in smart home technology today can pay dividends in improved quality of life, reduced caregiver burden, and extended independence for years to come.
Remember that technology should complement, not replace, human care and connection. The most successful implementations of smart home technology are those that enhance relationships and support overall well-being while respecting the dignity and autonomy of the individual.
Is your home *smart*? What works best for you?
