STACK #245 March 2025

SMART HOME SOLUTIONS FOR ASSISTED LIVING

TECH FEATURE

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ESSENTIAL SMART HOME DEVICES FOR ASSISTED LIVING The benefits of smart home devices for assisted living can be substantial, and the initial investment doesn’t need to break the bank. Start small with a smart plug or light bulb, and then add the essentials one by one.

Smart buttons and switches

Smart plugs Smart plugs are a simple and affordable way to begin automating a home – just plug them in and connect an existing appliance to enable remote control and scheduling via a phone app. Even better, most support voice assistants like Alexa or Google for hands-free convenience. Residents can easily control household items like lights, fans, or heaters without needing to move or strain, and create personalised schedules for daily routines, such as turning on a lamp at a certain time. Caregivers and family members can also control and monitor plugged-in devices remotely using apps – especially appliances that can be potentially hazardous if left on and unattended, like an iron or a heater – ensuring the safety of the resident. Smart plugs can also lower power bills via scheduling devices in standby mode to turn off, and some can monitor energy usage in real time.

Designed with simplicity in mind, smart buttons are ideal for individuals with mobility, dexterity, or cognitive challenges. An alternative to using a smart speaker or hub, smart buttons can be fixed, portable, and even wearable, providing one-touch ease for a range of routines, such as controlling smart lights and plugs throughout the home. Importantly, they can also serve as an emergency button, sending an alert notification to chosen contacts when pressed. Smart buttons can be customised for a range of different needs, and management permissions can be easily shared with carers and family. Smart switches, on the other hand, can turn on almost anything. They transform most rocker switches and appliance buttons into smart ones via simple attachment, with remote control from a phone app or voice control. Automated schedules can be set, such as turning on the lights and coffee machine in the morning.

TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Plug (4 Pack) • Remote control • Voice control via Alexa or Google • Schedules and timers

TP-Link Tapo Smart Button • Requires Tapo hub (sold separately) • Portable switch • Multiple control options • Lighting control • One-click alarm with real time notifications • Up to 12 months battery life

SwitchBot Bot Smart Switch • Turns old switches into smart ones • Alexa and Google compatible • Scheduling and automation • Remote monitoring and control of connected devices

TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (2 Pack) • Wi-Fi enabled • Real-time power consumption monitoring in-app • Remote control • Voice control with Alexa or Google • Schedules and timers • Away mode

12 MARCH 2025

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