In short
Home automation for older people automates tasks and flags risks: lights that come on by themselves at night, smoke, water or gas detectors, alerts if usual activity is missing, door opening from a relative’s phone and simple controls. It complements, but does not replace, telecare and personal care.
Useful automations
- Night path lighting: getting up at night softly lights the way to the bathroom.
- All-off and blinds-down from one switch by the bed.
- Smoke, water-leak or gas detectors that alert the family’s phones.
- An alert if no activity is detected at the usual time (for example, in the morning).
- Video intercom on a large screen or tablet, and remote opening for carers.
- Climate control to avoid extreme temperatures.
Design so it gets used
- Large, high-contrast switches in fixed places; nothing that relies only on an app.
- Few scenes, with clear names.
- Everything still works manually if something fails.
- Involve the person in the decision: what is not understood is not used.
Privacy and respect
Inactivity alerts can rely on motion or door sensors, without cameras inside the home. Agree with the person what is monitored and who receives alerts.