A Guide to The Latest Smart Home Tech for Seniors

Many of us used to watch The Jetsons cartoon and wonder in amazement at all that tech. But now, so many of those same gadgets are actually available for our homes! It’s incredible how far home technology has come in just the past few years. If you’re a homeowner, though, you may still have some questions about upgrading your home to be, well, smarter. So read on if you need help choosing the right smart home devices and guidance on smart home tech for seniors.

Can Smart Home Devices Keep Me Safe?

You betcha! In fact, some of the most popular smart home products on the market right now were made to boost home security. Find yourself constantly misplacing keys? Install a smart lock so that you have the option to enter a code instead. Are your packages constantly being “misplaced” too? Invest in a video doorbell to keep an eye on your front porch. Video doorbells are surprisingly affordable as well! You can get everything you need for around $100.

These nifty gadgets can also make life easier for seniors and caregivers. If your senior loved one has a video doorbell installed, he/she won’t have to get up to see who’s at the door. You can even use smart locks to let in caregivers and other helpful folks from afar.

Do keep in mind that there are some cons to using smart devices to secure your home. One potential risk is not having access to your device if your power goes out. That’s a huge inconvenience but you can reduce this risk with a generator. Average cost for setting up a generator is $1,411 to $7,597, but some installations can be as low as $400. Do research to see which generator is best. Also, make sure your home is properly wired for installation.

Could a Smart Home Keep Me Healthier?

The answer to this common question is a big “yes” as well! Let’s say you want to be able to exercise at home, whether due to convenience or the coronavirus. Well, if you have some room in your budget, you could always build a home gym with the latest smart fitness equipment. Miss spin class? Treat yourself to an indoor bike so you can spin and burn calories at home. Want to tone your muscles? A digital weight system will help you perfect your form and workout.

If you’re an older adult, smart devices can do even more for your health and well-being. You can use a tablet to look up healthy recipes and prepare meals at home. Or you could pick up a smart speaker so you can connect with loved ones without having to lift a finger! If you need help picking a speaker, reading through online reviews can help. You can even find the best buys for under $50, which can help you stick to a tight budget.

Will Smart Upgrades Boost My Home Value?

Okay, this answer varies. With less than 20% of homes automated, installing smart home devices could help set your home apart from the competition. Buyers may also be willing to pay more for your home. But the real return on investment comes from the amount of money and time you save by investing in smart home upgrades. For example, a smart thermostat could slash your energy bills. That reduction in monthly costs could be well worth any initial expense.

If you do plan on selling your home in the near future, certain upgrades have the potential to add the most value and appeal to your home. They include some of the features already mentioned, like thermostats, locks, and speakers. But automated lighting, automated blinds, and smart appliances may also provide more value later while providing more convenience now.

Living like a Jetson is no longer just fantasy. With a few smart home upgrades, your home can be just as convenient and comfortable. Best of all, you could even save some money with a smarter home.

For more home advice for seniors, visit the Caregogi blog regularly.