I set up a smart home for Grandpa!

Utilizing smart home technology can greatly benefit the elderly and those with disabilities. In today's video I'll be visiting my grandfather and setting up a simple smart home for him.
Sponsored by Aqara
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Products Seen in Video:
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G2H Pro Camera Hub geni.us/AqaraG2Hp
Smart Plug geni.us/AqaraPlg
Door & Window Sensor geni.us/AqaraDr
Water Leak Sensor geni.us/AqaraWtr
P1 Motion Sensor geni.us/Aqara-P1
Wireless Mini Switch geni.us/AqaraMiniSw
HomePod mini geni.us/HomePodmini
Apple TV 4K geni.us/ATV4k
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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CHAPTERS
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0:00 Chapters
1:02 Heading to Charleston
2:28 The Plan
3:02 Setting it Up
4:25 About Aqara
5:42 HomePod minis & Apple TV
6:42 Calling for Help with Siri
7:13 Setup a good network
7:39 Aqara Hub
8:15 Security System
9:11 Cameras
9:55 Water Leak Sensors
10:42 Smart Plugs (Lighting)
11:00 Motion Sensors
12:00 Smart Buttons
13:03 Vibration Sensor (Scooter)
14:09 Air Quality Sensor
14:40 Safety Automation Shortcut
17:43 Managing His Smart Home
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#HomeKit #SmartHome #Aqara

[@ta3000]

Maybe the most important video you’ve ever done. This could be an entire series. Setting these up for all different kinds of families and building something simple that “just works”.

[@ShaneCreates]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@collinlinebaugh9817]

Dude. This is not the first time people need this help. I need this. Shortcuts was a great touch

[@thickernell]

Shane, this is fantastic. I’m an IT professional but you still gave me some ideas for my 83 yo mother’s house I had never thought of. Keep up the good work dude.

[@jenniferconway2228]

This is sooo awesome for older people. If only every old person had a grandson like you.

[@MegaPppx]

Shane you’re such a good grandson!

[@dairbatandon8632]

This Granny set up her own!!! I love it😂

[@ReasonQuest]

I wish I had a grandson like you Shane. GOOD ON YOU, man. (My grandson is quite young, but if he grows up to be as kind as you (and I think he will), I'll be all good!)

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you for the kind words. 🙏🏼

[@kyad9]

I loved the really creative automations you set up for him tailored to his lifestyle! Great video as always, Shane!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Kyle!

[@movingloz]

You are such a great bloke with the way you look after your Grandpa.

[@williammartinez8381]

OMG, Shane, what a great idea for a second HomeKit home. Thank you for all the great advice In this video. This is something that I’ve been thinking about doing for my parents that are in their late 70s.

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@D8099.]

85 yr old Grandpa + Acara. That’s all I needed to hear. Acara it is for my house.

[@whatmeworry2006]

Since subscribing to your channel I am enjoying the many Aqara devices and automations I have learned about from you. I’m 73 and am super close to my grandsons. You hit a grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth with two outs with this video for combining safety, convenience, and most of all your love for your grandfather. You deserve a million new subscribers after this. I hope 2023 brings much health and happiness to you and Pappy.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words!

[@agray8109]

Awesome video. You've hit a segment of the market (children wanting to provide for their independent elders) that you should really explore. This is a untapped market and should lead to a series of videos and scenes. Well done.

[@LamarrWilson]

This is an excellent video man. Nicely done.

[@DW-ph2xg]

Well do Shane. You have given you, and your family a great connection and security for your grandfather. Kudos to him too for getting involved at his ripe age. Impressive!

[@ShaneCreates]

🙏 🙏

[@Slimhaven1]

Great Video Shane! Please Thank Pappy for his service to our great country from one Patriot to another!

[@ShaneCreates]

Will do thank you sir!

[@allanbennett272]

I know this is an older video and I just watched it recently, but this is one of the coolest smart home setups that I have seen. This is very cool protecting your family and making sure they’re safe very cool man.

[@ShaneCreates]

Wow, thanks!

[@diemarcus]

Great Dad!

[@Raptors0524]

Shane, you are just a cool dude! You have helped me build a nice HomeKit for my family!

[@mikedavis6299]

Gave me some ideas for setting up my home. Thanks from a 76 year old! Simple is good.

[@IskandarM_]

Here I thought you were just going for the simple lights on, lights off, but you went all out with sensors and all. This is awesome.

[@MrKyoo]

Nice, please tell Pappy thanks for his service.

[@ShaneCreates]

Will do. Thank you!

[@SteveStearns]

You are an awesome grandson. I am sure he appreciates you doing all of this for him. There were some awesome ideas for people who are older and/or live alone.

[@ShaneCreates]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@joshuahaney1135]

Awesome

[@aoa7141]

super cool

[@mannymota3442]

Excellent!

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

Great job!

[@michaelrutledge1626]

Awesome stuff! Informative, practical, and wholesome! 😃

[@graham2425]

Great job Shane love it 👍

[@benmabebajr.6551]

Awesome 👍🏿

[@m.j.r.technologyreveiws1075]

Enjoyable to see.Thank You!

[@adamtaylor2296]

Great job taking care of your grandfather!

[@danmiller5297]

Thank you for an insightful video, stay safe and be well.

[@SunnySkiesInAZ]

Great video, great idea.

[@micheljr.beaudry21]

You gave me some idea for my old grandpa. Thank you sir 👍🏽

[@sfchipster]

You’re such a good guy!

[@adambroussard8192]

This video was great

[@campervanchris4171]

Fantastic video Shane we have to look after the elderly!

[@wbm1077]

Great video and good job taking care of your pappi. I set up something for my mom before she passed and of all the automations she loved asking to listen to music the most. Thank you for your service pappi!

[@dannycabrera8466]

I love those old black and white family photos

[@misstubbie1313]

You’re a good kid ❤

[@Gordidon]

This was an awesome video. I loved the setup for even my mom.

[@robertfreck2701]

Great Video!

[@sethhubbard698]

I really liked the format of this video! Very cool to have a bit of a change of scenery while you were out at his house.

[@bhogan002]

Another excellent presentation Shane. 👏👏👏

[@chenault15]

I salute you for being such a great grandson to your Grandaddy!! I love my granddaddy so much and him and I really close so it warms my heart to see another that has a similar love for their granddaddy.

[@lindaenloe7373]

Good job Shane!

[@tutubeos]

Well done 💙👍🏼

[@tiggerlove12]

Love this video especially the last part to notify to say if something is wrong etc. I’ll be sharing this video with my cousin to do for his parents who are in their late 70’s. Thanks to you I’ve been using Aqara for the last 2 years and love their cameras etc. We use the cameras in our home where we have a small baby sitting business and we use cameras in all to check on the kids while they are napping. They make great stuff. Thank your grand pop for all his services.

[@rosscoman]

Great tip about setting up that well-being check based on an accessory condition.

[@titopr64]

Amazing what you accomplished. Great ideas that can be implemented. 🎉 Thank you for sharing.

[@inelonwetrust9169]

Really enjoyed this video. Great way to use technology to help make his life easier and give you the peace of mind to know he is okay.

[@badsomething]

you're a good grandson!

[@DerekZimmer]

You’re a good grandson. And, I really liked watching you create a entire home tailored around a specific person type, aka senior. It was interesting to hear how you thought through each device for that person.

[@lmmillette1]

Wow! Super awesome for Pappy! I would love to do this for my mom at 94 but it will have to be super simple. Thanks!

[@jamesleeeuwendaal5991]

nice job Shane

[@carterhobson310]

Great Video! I have also been helping my grandpa set up his smart home with Alexa and HomeKit! He is in his 70s and is super tech savvy! We have set up a few smart plugs and automations with camera motion detection in HomeKit so far.

[@lieschenmuller5511]

Love your great ideas. Shortcut with light-brightness in percent is such a great idea. Best regards from Germany.

[@melissamoskau5667]

Always appreciate and learn from your videos. Thanks, Shane!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you for watching!

[@dadfixdit]

Great job Shane! I’ve bought several Aqara products because of you and they have been fantastic. This a great idea for a truly affordable smart home for older parents or someone you need to keep an eye on. I love how inexpensive the Aqara products are and how well they work. Please thank Pappy for his service for me- a true hero!

[@tato335]

blessings to your grandpa!

[@tato335]

Done bro.

[@VenaJo]

Bigggg congrats!!!! Great ideas and awesome use of technology!!!!

[@ShaneCreates]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Polkster13]

Love the ideas and I love the Aqara devices. I have a ton of them as well. I also really like the "No Motion" automation for health safety check on your grandfather. I also put in electrical cover plates that have a built-in LED light and light sensor on them. I put them in areas that don't have windows and allows me to see when I get up in the middle of the night for bathroom breaks and they don't ruin my night vision.

[@ShaneCreates]

Great suggestion. Thanks Frederick!

[@nickrossuk]

Excellent video, Shane - that’s given me a number of ideas for my folks. Thank you for your continued videos - really helpful

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@JasCar1967]

Great video Shane…your Pappy is super cool…you’re lucky to have him in your life

[@ShaneCreates]

Couldn't agree more! Thank you!

[@ash1983]

Amazing video. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Awesome video this week! Great use of Aqara products. Looked like a fun road trip. Your Grandpa is awesome! Thank him for his service for me!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks George!

[@howardyermish]

Shane - such a great overview video and I’d love to see a bit more about your planning process. Great job!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Howard!

[@HughD]

Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you for the super thanks!

[@CesarGamino]

Love these. Gives me more ideas for my parents' home. I set up a few things but didn't know I could access their Homekit from mine. I wanna set that up.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful and hopefully sparked some more ideas.

[@loydpotter6901]

Outstanding video. Please thank him for his service to our country. We need more men like him.

[@ShaneCreates]

Will do, thank you Loyd! 🙏

[@dianemoore2945]

Hey Shane, I thought this was so amazing that you did this for GrandPa! You are a wonderful grandson ❤. How is grandpa doing with his “smart home”? He is my kinda grandpa, not afraid to try different things and not afraid of technology. Way coo grandpa!! Oh yeah, cute pics.😂

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Diane. He is a cool grandpa! He's doing well with it. I've had to FaceTime him once or twice for some things but so far no issues that I haven't been able to help with or resolve remotely.

[@dwaynehamrick]

Great video Shane! Keep up the great work!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@mmosbauer]

Shane, great video. We all have family that is wanting to make their lives easier and this shows some good examples in comparison to our normal video on dealing with our own homes which usually have spouses, kids and such.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Michael!

[@mikerisner]

This video really hit home for just how much BETTER things have gotten in home automation. I set up a few things for my dad, but I couldn’t remotely troubleshoot any problems, and he wasn’t comfortable messing with anything. He passed earlier this year, but today’s home automation options would have been a godsend five years ago. And some of your innovative solutions for Pappy will work for anyone. Thanks for another terrific video!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching Mike. I'm sorry for your loss. I agree things have gotten much better in just the past five years. It's exciting to see where it goes from here.

[@pmrjrconsultingservicesaka425]

That’s a GREAT video! Not only to help older adults, but that will help the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people! Keep it up! Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

🙏 🙏

[@Weeem]

I built a system just like this for my mum a couple of moths ago with Aqara sensors and cameras but controlled by HomeAssistant. Gives us a lot of piece of mind (and her)

[@ShaneCreates]

Very nice!

[@STRaphelCatholicChurch]

Shane this was one of your BEST videos! My mom lives alone but is not very tech savvy and I have been trying to figure out how to make sure she is save but give her “space” - A LOT Of great ideas! May God Bless you and your Family!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@greetp]

Excellent video Shane! For more vulnerable adults, it may be a good idea to set up maximum/minimum temperature alerts to highlight issues with heating or cooling systems.

[@seatek]

Excellent! I automated the crap out of my dad’s, including an Apple Watch too. The night lights always turning on is the biggest deal. As he got sicker and I had to take care of him I used the Logitech Circle 2 cameras to detect motion at night and notify me so I could make sure he was ok getting to the bathroom or kitchen. The peace of mind for everyone is huge!

[@ShaneCreates]

That's incredible. Thanks for sharing!

[@cluedoenvivo]

Thanks for the video ❤ I been using the flic smart bottoms to control Siri shortcuts on my Mac

[@ShaneCreates]

Nice!!

[@elevateyourcreativeness]

Great video Shane! I encourage anyone with elderly parents or grands to invest into smarthome technology! Doesn’t have to be complex, but worth every penny they’ll spend for peace of mind!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Greg!

[@PiyathPamuditha]

You're a nice Grandchild !

[@CrazyGadgetGuy]

Awesome video

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@kylenewton7943]

You might want to think of a tighter way to configure that notification if no motion in x hrs. Consider he goes to bed and the last motion detected was at 8:02 PM -- then he falls when he gets out of bed in the night at 1:00 AM. Since your automation to check if the light is at 21% is at 8:00 AM you will not know that he is not well until approx. 31 hours later.

[@DAVIDJB2]

Hello, Shane I have been watching you for over a year and probably seen all of your homekit stuff. I really look forward to seeing your videos. I am a senior and the Grandpa video was just great. It was understandable and practical keep up the Very good work. Thanks

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks so much for watching! 🙏🏼

[@DAVIDJB2]

@@ShaneCreates Hi Shane, what exactly is the discord group, Can a old man join, what payments options, remember I’m old school, is there a yearly rate ? I am really invested in Homekit and automation and have questions that apple can’t answer, is this the place ? Thanks

[@alberttendero6047]

Hey, Shane! I really enjoyed this video. It really touched my heart since I also have a grandad and he’s kind of a techie. Greetings from Spain!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Albert! 🙏

[@MR-pr8tp]

Great video. As a senior I set up a few simple automations using Phillips Hue such as turning on my coffee maker when I climb out of bed or using security cameras and motion sensors. I love everything Apple/ HomeKit. I want to add that my Apple Watch is the best purchase ever. I fell off a porch, knocked me unconscious and my Apple Watch woke me up asking if I needed an ambulance. I was okay but can't emphasize this is a must for single and elderly citizens. Replaces the old "I fell and can't get up"... And no subscriptions. Can program my Reminders to pop up when I reach a location such as the grocery store to portray my list. When getting out of bed in the dark I usually just ask Siri to turn on the flashlight for me and that helps a lot. Thanks for the suggested scenes and routines.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! That’s incredible. I agree… the Apple Watch is an amazing device, especially for seniors. We first got Pappy one a few years back after he experienced a similar fall or two.

[@tomhenderson434]

Nice video, Shane. One thing I like about my set-up is having sound from Apple TV 4k sent to HomePod mini that is placed near where I sit when watching TV. It allows listening at a much lower volume and I can hear it better. I have learned much from you. Keep up the good work.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Tom! Good idea. I considered using HomePods as default audio for Pappy's Apple TV, but ultimately felt like it was another possible point of failure that could eventually need troubleshooting. So I kept them separate just to keep the setup as basic as possible. But that's a great tip.

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

You are an awesome grandson! Every time I watch your video it costs me! Just the facts...lol.

[@ShaneCreates]

😆 Thanks V J!

[@dannycabrera8466]

Holy crap, great idea with the motion detection text message automation.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Danny!

[@GoFastGator]

Great video! That scooter was a perfect use case for an AirTag…

[@adamsimsiroglou1355]

I love that you made this. I have been waiting to pull the trigger on this for my 88 year old Grandfather who also lives alone and is also 2 hours away from me. Sounds like we have the same situation. My only concern is what to do if he runs into “No Response”. I can of course make the trip down but this is the only thing holding me back. I know it’s out of our control, I guess I am just talking out loud lol.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching Adam. That's certainly something to consider. As mentioned, one of my main goals was to make this as simple as possible so there are less ways it could go sideways. Also why I wanted to use Aqara. They have always been extremely reliable for me. All the child accessories connect via zigbee, so as long as the main hub stays connected, you shouldn't have any issues.

[@christianhotter]

Nice! I'm doing something similar for my mom. So far it's just Apple TV, HomePod, and a doorbell. I'm mostly going for the least amount of moving pieces that may need me to troubleshoot remotely.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching Christian. Yes, I agree. I think it takes a lot more thought when setting something like this up for someone else that may not be as technically savvy. Hopefully this video gave you some good ideas.

[@melvintan5117]

Love this video. Shane, you can be a Smart home setup consultant 😊

[@ShaneCreates]

Haha thanks Melvin!

[@barnabyjames7768]

Ka Pai, this is a fantastic idea. I’ve set up something similar for my parents, but I didn’t add as a second home in my app, will do that today. Thanks for the continuous inspiration. Ngā mihi NZCH.

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@frankieangels4082]

This is a game changer Shane! Thanks for doing this….do you plan on a follow-up video so we can see what tweaks and additions were made?

[@HughD]

Shane this could be the best video you've done. I'm just a few years younger than your grandfather and live about 100 miles south of him. I really like the Aqar devices and was really impressed with your "no-motion" automation/shortcut! I have one thing in my house I'm doing differently. While the Aqara leak sensors are fine and perfect for him, in a coastal (hurricane-prone) area home I much prefer YoLink leak sensors and related devices. For example, in my house when there's a leak anywhere (six sensors) the main water to the house automatically shuts off even when there's no power and no Internet. Try that with most other leak systems. Furthermore, there's a very bright YoLink/Homekit user who has created an excellent plugin for YoLink devices for use with Hoobs/Homebridge! You did a great job with this, Shane!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the kind words! That's a great setup with your water sensors. Definitely good to have if you live in a flood zone. Impressive that it can run with no power or internet.

[@aerobill8554]

What a timely video Shane. My mom just passed away last week leaving my 87 yo Dad (former Royal Air Force) alone in a big house. I was thinking of doing similar so this is inspirational. I will do safety and security first and then move on to energy saving and comfort features. Agree with the other viewer: Would appreciate continuing this series. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@ShaneCreates]

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for watching and I appreciate the feedback.

[@lthomas63]

Awesome video Shane! It would be nice if you did a video of setting up someone else’s smart home, from full consultation to install.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Larry!

[@leumas75]

I did something very similar to this for my 84 yr old father-in-law, who just moved into one of those similar communities to your “Pappy.” One of the things I did was to set a motion sensor on his mattress, so that the bathroom light comes on automatically when he gets up in the middle of the night to pee. I also put an motion sensor AND an AirTag n his minivan, because he was worried someone might steal it. That, along with automations similar to yours that alerts both of his daughters if he hasn’t opened his front door to go to breakfast by a certain time (along with his AppleWatch, which has already been a (possible) lifesaver), have given him and his progeny much comfort, as he is living ≈ 2 hours from one daughter, and 6 hours from us. Thanks for highlighting this process!

[@ShaneCreates]

That's incredible. Nice job. Thank you for sharing!