With each passing year, technology is becoming more and more integrated into our homes. Where we were once impressed with the ‘clapper’, turning the lights off in our home with the smacking of our hands, we now have devices such as Google Homes or Alexas. With a simple voice command, we can request a huge myriad of things, such as turning up the thermostat, playing our favorite songs, or even asking our device to make sure to lock up the house. 

While it’s clearly a handy tool to have, just how can it benefit seniors in senior living homes? Let’s take a closer look!

 

Remind Me

It’s easy to forget about mundane tasks as you’re going about your day – it can happen to anyone! But not remembering to do some important tasks, such as checking your blood sugar, taking a certain medication, or forgetting about a doctor’s appointment can be a bit serious, especially if it becomes a routine thing. So whether you want to ask your device to remind you to call your granddaughter on her birthday or ask for an alarm to take your meds, this is one feature that can be utilized all the time.

 

Say Hello

When it comes to your senior living home, sometimes you want to chat with a loved one or friend. These devices are great for hands-free calling. If you don’t want to fiddle with your phone but want to check in with your kids or dial up a friend, just use a voice command to do so. It’s that easy! With some devices, you can even set up specific nicknames for your contacts to make it more fun. 

 

Fun and Games

A great way to stay entertained but also keep your mind sharp is by playing word games. Depending on which device you have in your home, you have dozens of options to choose from. Test your trivia knowledge by playing a round or two of Jeopardy or, if you’re with company, play a game of Mad Libs. You can even ask your smart device for a riddle or a joke, something to really impress your friends the next time you’re together. 

 

Lights On

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the number one cause of injury among older Americans. While these accidents can happen for any number of reasons, proper lighting can certainly help curb some of them from occurring. Most lights in the home, including exterior ones, can be paired to in-home devices. So now, if your hands are full and you can’t reach the light switch, or you’re simply getting up in the middle of the night for a glass of water, navigating through your senior living home is as simple as giving your device a shout-out. 

 

Find a Tune

Once upon a time, it was difficult to compile your favorite songs together, having to sort through various CDs or tapes just to find what you were looking for. Those days are long gone, and now, the majority of the world’s discography exists at our command. Whether you want to listen to your favorite song from your high school dance, or request Alexa to play something from today’s Billboards, it’s easier than ever. Use a tune to enhance some daily chores and add a little fun to your day.

 

Listen to a Book

If you’re one of those people who enjoy a good story but have a hard time settling down and reading, try giving an audiobook a try! No longer are we confined to just simply sitting and flipping through pages if that’s not our preference. Plus, as we age, sometimes our vision can begin to weaken, making it more difficult to read text for long periods of time. A vast array of titles, genres, and authors can be found on Audible. Just ask your device and it can connect you with your new (or old!) favorite book! 

 

Order a Meal

It’s no secret that we all get a bit tired of cooking and can get stuck into a routine of meals. Food is one of life’s greatest joys, and finding what you’re eating unappealing is no way to go. Now, ordering something for delivery is just a voice command away! Many national chains now have apps that can be easily equipped to your smart device. Summoning your favorite dinner is now as simple as saying, ‘Hey Google, order me a pizza!’

 

Practice Mindfulness

When it comes down to it, mental health is extremely important. Practicing mindfulness and becoming grounded has a multitude of benefits, including helping regulate blood pressure, improve sleep, and overall, just leaves us feeling better in control of our moods and our day. No longer do you have to travel to a gym or club to attend a class on this. Just ask your device! Access routines on breathing, mindfulness, prayer, and meditation, all available through your smart home device. 

 

A Different Peace of Mind 

Home security is extremely important. Unfortunately, seniors are targeted each year by scam solicitors, or individuals claiming to be selling something when in reality, they are attempting to scope out the house. Thanks to the innovation of smart technology, now if someone is at your door, you can engage them through a video doorbell or overhead garage camera. If you don’t want to, you never have to speak to the individual face-to-face. This is a safer means of engaging with strangers. Also, this is a great way to keep an eye on any package deliveries that have been left on your front porch. 

 

Add it to Your Home Today!

Sometimes, the integration of technology can be intimidating, as there is a lot to learn. Tech has moved fast over the past twenty years, especially after the implementation of the internet. While it may seem daunting or overwhelming at first, hopefully, this list helped provide some insight on just how adding a simple smart device to your home can help you feel not only safer but also provide hours of entertainment while allowing you to feel connected to the world around you.