Smart Technology For Your Home
There are many options available to use smart technology in your home to help control your environment at the touch of a button or by using your voice.
If you have a recommendation to make that may help other beneficiaries, please get in touch with us using the form at the end of the page.
Smart Speakers
Using new technology to control your environment
Smart speakers, which are available from Amazon, Google and Apple, are voice activated devices which can be wirelessly linked to other smart devices or equipment around your home in order to control them. For example, you can switch the TV, lights or appliances on and off using the smart speakers. If your smart speaker has a screen or is linked to a screen, you can see the news as well as hear it. Taking the level of control further, it is also possible to control your heating and the opening and closing of doors.
As more household equipment is becoming smarter, it allows a greater degree of control over the home, making life easier for anyone with restricted movement.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats connect your boiler to your wi-fi to control your hot water and heating. They can be voice activated via Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple devices or they can be paired with a smart phone, tablet or PC via an App. A smart thermostat can help reduce energy wastage by giving you more visibility of your energy usage and have intuitive controls with a wide range of functions. (Note: You need to check that your boiler is compatible with the smart thermostat before buying.)
Some of the helpful functions that may be included (model dependent) are:
- Learning - the thermostat 'learns' your heating habits and can automatically programme itself to match your routine
- Geolocation - via the GPS location on a smartphone the system knows when you are at home or away and can adjust settings to avoid heating an empty home
- Frost protection
Take a look at a review of smart thermostat models from Good Housekeeping
Video Doorbells
Smart video doorbells can link up to other smart devices in your home, giving you the possibility of seeing who is at the door without opening it, and even talking to the person to give delivery instructions or to welcome a visitor and let them know you're on your way.
They can link to smart speakers for voice control or be accessible via an App on your smartphone, tablet or other smart screen.
Take a look at a review of video doorbell models from Good Housekeeping
Smart and Keyless Locks
There are a number of devices available which make it easier to unlock a door if using a key is difficult.
The more simple devices include a small motor which will rotate to move the bolt or cylinder, locking or unlocking the door. The motor can be activated in a number of ways; keypad, electronic card reader or remote wireless control. Once the door is unlocked, a person can then use the handle to open the door.
More sophisticated devices, smart locks, are more automated and can be monitored and controlled remotely, usually via a smartphone. It may be possible to programme them to make sure doors are locked, just in case you forget. Also, an app may allow you to check if any doors are unlocked while you are away from the house.
More information on smart and keyless locks can be found on the Safewise website
Before buying a smart or keyless lock you will need to check it is compatible with your existing locks, and that it does not affect your house insurance.
Electronic Aids for Daily Living
Environmental control units, also known as Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADLs), allow many people to independently control their environment. These include such areas as room temperature, lighting, TV, stereo, etc. Persons who lack the mobility to turn switches, open and close curtains, adjust the temperature, etc. in conventional ways may do so with special remote control.
Visit the Living Made Easy website for more information on daily living aids
Assistive Technology and Accessible Gaming
If you have difficulties using your computer because of a physical condition Adapt-IT can help you find the right product to allow you to use technology in the most efficient and comfortable way.
Extra Large touch Screens
These screens are like giant iPads that can be positioned at height to use alongside any software from a standard PC or to download apps etc. They are also used in schools and for people with learning disabilities.
Visit the Integrex website to find out more
Technology Accessories
Phone Cases With Loops
Funding
Funding may be available from the Grünenthal Foundation towards making smart technology changes in your home.
Visit the Grünenthal Foundation website for more information and to submit an application.
Your recommendations
If you use smart technology in your home and have any recommendations that may benefit other beneficiaries, please get in touch with us using the form below.
