TECHNOLOGY IN CARE Smart House
Technology isn’t just for IT wizards. If used in the right way, it can be used to transform the way care service users are assisted and monitored. Daniel Knight, Technical Director at Fibaro UK, tells us why more care homes should get connected.
The transition from a personal home to a care home can be a daunting one.
Research suggests that loss of independence
is a top five concern for over 50s in Britain. New developments in home technology – in particular the Internet of Things (IoT) and the connected home – could go a long way towards allaying such fears. Technological advances are increasingly enabling care home residents to enjoy greater independence, while also contributing to improved facility safety.
“With 24/7 non- intrusive surveillance and movement sensors, residents, staff and loved ones are able to enjoy greater security and peace of mind.”
Smart home technology offers real solutions to people with differing needs and abilities. It can be harnessed to provide monitored environments, automate tasks a person may be unable to perform and guard against unauthorised access.
It can also ease the pressure placed on care providers. Smart home technology can be relied upon to alert care home personnel should anything be amiss. With 24/7 non- intrusive surveillance and movement sensors, residents, staff, and loved
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ones are able to enjoy greater security and peace of mind.
There are countless ways in which the technology could be employed to facilitate the improved care of the elderly and vulnerable. The potential of smart home tech is limited only by the human imagination.
Importantly, the implementation of smart home technology does not necessitate complete refurbishment or large set up costs. Improved care home facilities can be realised through the use of retrofittable products; home controllers, light dimming modules and motion sensors can be installed with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure. Costs will vary according to building size.
Connected homes not only provide extra support to care workers but they also enable the delivery of the personal touch. A resident’s perfect morning routine can be created through blind automation, for example. Blinds can be programmed to slowly and softly illuminate a room – simulating a sunrise. Small touches like these can bring a sense of calm to residents and produce a more homelike experience.
Alongside improvements in resident care, smart technology can benefit care homes financially. This may be realised through money and energy savings, or through the improved capability of offering a premium service. According to the European Standard worldwide energy efficiency report, typical savings for smart buildings are around 25% for thermal
energy and 10% for lighting. Smart home technology can be used to turn off lights left on in unoccupied rooms, for example, or to shut off heating should windows be accidentally left open. It can even lower electricity bills by dimming lighting levels (without the human eye noticing).
“The potential of smart home tech is limited only by the human imagination.”
With 47% of UK homeowners considering investing in smart home technology, it’s clear that this is a fast-growing, high-demand market. Easy to install, retrofittable solutions are currently available – allowing any facility to be kitted out with and benefit from connected home technology.
Smart home technology is working to revolutionise the care home – a competitive market that is estimated to be worth £10.1 billion. It offers a unique opportunity for care homes to be brought into the 21st century. Those that take advantage of smart home solutions will differentiate themselves from competitors, while delivering greater security and independence to residents and minimising their environmental impact.
www.fibarouk.co.uk
www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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