Smart Home Technology For Elderly Care | Products and Usage

Smart Home Technology For Elderly Care | Products and Usage
Tell me you don't know someone who's getting up there in age and could use some extra help around the home. I doubt you can, and I think most of us do. My belief is that home automation and smart home products can be a big benefit for your parents, your family, your friends, and anyone who's needing extra help. Today, I'm going to give you a #smart #home design for the #elderly.
For any of the products I featured here, head to (affiliate): geni.us/Fbzfh (Amazon). That's my list of specially curated products for this video.
Otherwise, if you need help with a specific situation, then you can go ahead and request through our comments section or our Patreon site: / automateyourlife
AirDroid and AirMirror both work with remote control. You'll need to root your Android device (for control), but you can view both the camera on the device and you can also view the screen and control the screen.
Thanks for watching, and please subscribe below!
Brian
/ @automateyourlife

[@tdavis7396]

Great video on a subject that's important to so many people. Thank you for this!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thanks for coming and taking part! It is a very important topic.

[@gracesuarez3154]

A very sensitive and intelligent video on a subject that can be very tricky. Good work.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thank you Grace! Nice to see you here and commenting!

[@bernardbredhauer1484]

Being a legally blind person myself and now starting to use some these devices for safety and convienicence you have provided some great info Brian.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I’m happy to hear you confirm some of this stuff Bernard! Thank you sir!

[@bernardbredhauer1484]

@@AutomateYourLife Yes Brian it is making my life being almost blind easier. But having even the Google Home Mini is a great thing for me.

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@bernardbredhauer1484 Well I hope we can continue to improve your life! Let's go!

[@bernardbredhauer1484]

@@AutomateYourLife Thanks mate 👍👍👍

[@bernardbredhauer1484]

I next thing I want to buy is a wyze cam.

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@berylwhite2983]

Brian you did a great job!!! The kids talk me into getting Google it did not work for me. But they talked me into Amazon then the IT department here talked me into hooking in the switches including the call switches with Z-Wave because they're on just push buttons on the wall which I can't find cuz I can't see well. And they talk she who shall not be named to tell me when they're going to basically bring my medicine they taught her to turn a light strip on under the bed so they don't have to turn the light on when it come in and check on me in the night then I got the microwave so I can take care of myself. I joined the Kindle Library I have read or listen to so many books then they help me set up the music library. They fix the curtains the furnace. And I feel like I live in my own home. And a lot of it is because of you Paul Hibbert and Tech by Brett I hear it from you guys I show it to Information Technology here and then it happens. And since I've got Amazon it's kept me from laying on the floor. And I've had a very good life I think Google is capable but they didn't provide the feedback we needed. And man we thank you so much! You guys are angels

[@AutomateYourLife]

Love it...She who shall not be named (Paul)! Brett and Paul are fantastic people too and I've been talking with them about a number of ways we can work together. I don't know when, but I'm sure we'll bring you something really special someday soon!

[@SimplyMichelleTV]

Your voice and your energy is so relaxing! I imagine you chastising your kids in that voice😁😁😁

[@AutomateYourLife]

ahahahhaha! Well, he doesn't seem to like it when I do ;)

[@loganfisher3138]

I fully agree with only setting the smart buttons to do one thing, BUT I do think it is a good idea to set all three push profiles (single, double, and held) to do the same thing. It would be rather annoying to them if they kept accidentally getting false readings of double pushes or holds, making it fail to activate the proper automation.

[@AutomateYourLife]

That's a really good idea!

[@QuasiBlond]

I was in total paralysis in hospital for three months. I could speak. I wish I had google mini by my bed. Brian, can you work with hospitals to get this integrated into there systems. I believe it is a a necessary occupational therapy device. I would love to talk to anyone who is interested in this. I am a senior and have three google minis at home now. I love them.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think your story is a common one, and it's really frustrating how much this technology would help, but is so under utilized. If there's a way for me to help, I will. I'm always looking for ways to get this tech into locations like this, but I haven't seen a way "in", as of yet.

[@faengelm]

@@AutomateYourLife any change you could work with this hospital or the group providing that special Skill

[@JOHN-322]

Thank you sir for the information.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey J! Hope this helps you help others :)

[@tucsontom7244]

Thanks, it gives me more ideas.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Excellent! That's the idea. :)

[@faengelm]

Hi Brian. Thanks for doing this. I like your ideas for the vibration sensors. I hope you can continue on this as a series Frank

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thanks Frank! I’m sure we can talk about a few things that you’ve seen!

[@caseyvess41]

Question....Hi Brian, 1st... I wanted to take the time to say thanks for putting out so much content. It can be pretty difficult to find documentation on a lot of this stuff. Here is my question. I have aging parents. I wanted to automate a few things for them through the Alexa platform since the are already using it. They do get confused with technology so I want to keep it simple for them. If I automate lights, would it be easer to use switches or smart lights? My 1st though would be switches because once they are added to the home, they should always show up in the app. My fear is that, if a smart light burns out, they will have to know how to add and set up a smart light. Any thought for making their setup more permanent? Thanks for your time... I know you get a ton of messages

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think switches are easiest, and I'd suggest you get a good brand like Lutron Caseta (Diva and Caro). That way they can control physically and by voice AND by app or automation. Bulbs get turned off by switches and automations don't work then

[@doctorisout]

Tech will be adequate when it can support Great Grandparents. 100 year olds. Needs a 1950s TV-like setup.

[@jeffanthony5434]

So very helpful! From Yarmouth N.S. Got a few google homes for my grandmother as she resisted to the life line type of phone system. Now have hue and a couple of wyze cams (yet to be deployed). Always enjoy your work!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thanks Jeff! I hope this gives you a few extra ways to help her. PS. Would love to visit NS someday!

[@VanOlove]

I was hoping you would show how seniors can handsfree answer (auto answer) video call and how it works on google nest hub vs amazon or facebook portal. I'll keep an eye out for the video. Please show both auto-answer and how seniors can make calls with only their voice.

[@AutomateYourLife]

So you can have an "auto answer" of sorts with Alexa's new Care Hub. Watch this video for a talk about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foWrpoGkdsuWsKc

[@thomasottvideos]

Thank you for keeping the elderly and our safety in mind. If you have the time to share some tech advice for my scenario - it would be greatly appreciated. I'm 70 and in poor health. Additionally, last year I was diagnosed with dementia, so my memory and certain cognitive skills are impaired. I'm at the point where I forget to turn off stove burners, and I forget to turn off the sink faucets. Last year, when my thinking skills were much better, I managed to install the following home tech: - Echo dot - Google Home - Wyze Camera - WiFi (Google Mesh) - SmartThings Hub - Ring Pro Doorbell - Ring Security System - Several TP-Link smartbulbs and TP-Link smartplugs controlling lamps and small appliances. Considering the above tech, is there anything currently available for gas burners and water faucets that would make me aware they were left in an ON state? Kind regards, T.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hi T - I think if you left any SmartThings sensor near to (not right beside) your gas burner, then you could set a temperature automation trigger to let you know that heat was building up! I'd use it to trigger on a color bulb to a red color or something of that sort. As for your water faucet, the monkey man is right! The multipurpose sensor carries a vibration sensor. It depends on your tap, but it might be sensitive enough to know if the tap is running. Try that, but it may not work for you. After that, I'd actually think about a Wyze Cam placed relatively near to the tap so as to hear the tap running. I'd set the noise sensor to a high sensitivity, but that might work. There are other noise sensors...but they're few and far in between.

[@AutomateYourLife]

One other thought I'd had for that scenario...Arlo has a smart baby monitor. I wonder if that might make sense from a sound standpoint.

[@thomasottvideos]

@Supermonkey 1964.... Thanks much! It is definitely worth a try.

[@thomasottvideos]

@@AutomateYourLife... Thank you for your suggestion. I really appreciate the help.

[@thomasottvideos]

@Supermonkey 1964.... Your suggestion is greatly appreciated. All your folks are very creative.

[@marksharkz]

Hey Brian, can I get your thoughts on NFC tags for home automation, any good/ best NFC writter /uses?

[@AutomateYourLife]

I don't use a lot of NFC, although really multipurpose or contact sensors are a very simple use of a similar type of technology. NFC is usually more intended for encrypted information or information where you need to verify that the device/card is there. What were you thinking for a use case? There could be a use for guaranteeing it's the right person at home for sure. :)

[@marksharkz]

Honestly not sure what I'm gonna do with them, I saw them on the promo for Tasker app (also which I've never used, trying to decide if it's something I can figure out & use) I have all the usual stuff Alexa,Google home,Philips Hue lights, Wyze Cam/Sense kit,Samsung Galaxy 8 phone, also thinking about getting a Samsung Smartthings....

[@doctorisout]

It will be smart when it makes a 95 year old smarter and makes them feel smart.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I have plenty of those examples since I started helping folks!

[@Wastenot-qp7gw]

What would the best camera to monitor someone in a nursing home?

[@AutomateYourLife]

In this video is something called Sentinaire. Look in the timecodes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYG1epyjqZtgkKM

[@GilangRamanda]

Thank you for this

[@AutomateYourLife]

My pleasure! Thank you :)

[@lelandclayton5462]

Thing is you can go the DIY way or you can just get a security system installed. Honeywell/Ademco and 2GIG can do all of this stuff so you don't have to piece it together and learn a whole new trade to use/install it. Stuff like this for it to work right and done right should be left to the professionals. For a example here in the state of Florida the authorities such as Police, Fire and Medical would not be dispatched automatically unless it is registered with the City, County or State and the system monitored by a certified central station. So if you do one of these DIY setups and when a alert happens you better check it out ASAP as if you're the Central station for a security company. I had a guy that did his own system for his Mother and he's typically busy running a roofing company. He was in a meeting trying to get a new client and his mother fell and passed out. When he finally got to his phone it was two hours later. Luckily she lived and spent a week or two in the hospital. The Security company I work for sent me in to install in a Honeywell Vista 21ip panel, Tuxedo Touch keypad, contacted all doors and windows. We even added a few extra sensors to the bedroom door, bathroom medicine cabinet, CCTV, medical alert pendent, a couple of extra motion detectors so you know what area of the house she was in. I think we even added a Skybell. Two weeks after the install she had an episode of low potassium and hit the medical button, the central station alerted medical help and the TC2.0 app alerted the Son, not to mention he received a call as well from the central station. The Mother is in her 80s and she loves her safety net. She only has to worry about a Keyfob to Arm/Disarm and a medical alert pendent. The Son that is in his mid 50's just has to use one easy App. Also keep in mind Security companies are not like the 70, 80 and 90s. Most Security Companies also do Home Automation these days.

[@AutomateYourLife]

The trade is...for a monthly fee and restrictions on upgrading, cancelling, etc.. I certainly don’t need to pay those fees and I think you’ll find a lot of people can manage most of what you’re saying. Not saying you’re wrong for most, but this is a home automation channel! We have capable folks who know the deal.

[@DM-hv1uu]

Can you please do an update version on this topic? Any new devices thanks 🙏

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yeah! I've been thinking about it!

[@caseyvess41]

Is there a any good and simple documentation on good way to to set up my elderly parents on an Alexa smart home? I would have to set it up and manage it since my parents get frustrated with it. I live 509 miles away so it'll need to be remote.

[@AutomateYourLife]

This is what I have :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWKrk3Zjo9qKd7M

[@lastingloveministries9204]

Love your shirt!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh thanks!

[@marksharkz]

Can you tell me what kinda button that was (to turn lights on/off )?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Sure! That was this: amzn.to/2ESeI7w (Samsung SmartThings button, affiliate link)

[@gregdalton3517]

Big fan of the SmartThings sensors. Got them on the doors, and also in the halls and stairwells. Also got a tracker on the canes. 👍

[@AutomateYourLife]

That's a really good idea Greg. The trackers you're using...do they beep if you try to locate?

[@gregdalton3517]

Not sure about the Samsung Tracker which is only available with Bell here in Canada. Also got a Trackimo Guardian which is supposed to beep, but never has. Spent a lot of time looking for canes...and glasses...😎 Think the Samsung is more accurate for tracking by map though. @@AutomateYourLife

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thanks Greg! A few things for me to look into!

[@richard9827]

Brian. you can provide a tremendous I mean tremendous public service by doing this topic again to a different audience. Talk to the elderly. That is talk about each item like you are talking to your elderly parents or better yet grandparents. Why would you want to have videos in their home. How you will set them up to protect their privacy and dignity. Or why motion detectors may provide peace of mind for all with privacy. And remind them that their animals can be filtered out. Why having Echo can replace or supplement those “I fell and can’t get up” monitoring that is so very expensive. How it can make phone calls. Why temperature monitoring of the home is helpful. Why a camera outside pointing to where your car is parked gives your children piece of mind knowing if you are home. Why a smart door lock. You see my point. The why. Your audience is the elderly. I think they need to realize how simple this would be for their children to do for them. Your audience is the children who need your help and authority to help convince their parents. One commentator is concerned with costs. We know what things cost but a simple cost breakdown. I suspect motion detection is where one would maybe start. What does it cost to have some Echo dots with SmartThings and 3,4,5 motion detectors. How much to add a Wyze camera, and August smart lock. You get the idea. Targeted to the elderly. Something they can watch. No jargon explain simplicity and privacy. Show them with examples of what can be done for them.

[@AutomateYourLife]

You are absolutely 100% right. Never had someone put it so well though. Thank you Richard!!

[@garethjones5068]

An important video Bri, smart home tech is far simpler than some people credit it as being, which suppresses the potential for how useful it could be in a wide variety of situations

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think it is so important. We need to transition to application of this technology to help people. It's not just a neat thing anymore!

[@garethjones5068]

@@AutomateYourLife Absolutely, the simplicity of the automations that can be achieved with little to no prior knowledge can be really powerful

[@AutomateYourLife]

Next up for Gareth????

[@garethjones5068]

@@AutomateYourLife Hmmmm a video about using smart home tech for family life i.e organising family calendars, entertaining the kids, automating bedtime routines etc

[@AutomateYourLife]

No I meant this is your next career! ;) But I do like the idea buddy!

[@berylwhite2983]

Brian I'm still out here! I'm aggravated because I can't get money to you through patreon. Cause you're in Canada! And I'm not going to use your services for free. I think you're the one of the best! And would love to watch but like I said I don't think it's fair to you without paying for it. All my best Mike take good care of your family give me a gill every once in awhile. Like I said there was never anything that you did it was just the patreon company would not work with us! Or more likely my bank wouldn't work with them because I'm in the middle of nowhere. The great care of your family and stay safe Mike

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Mike! Can I tell ya something? The best thing you can do is to watch, comment, and share. That's not for free. That's your very precious time! I'm so glad you're doing well and it's nice to hear from you. But don't ever think that you're taking advantage of me! I put this content here so people will watch and do those other things.

[@berylwhite2983]

PS that would should be say yell! And I would be watching your buddy from across the pond if I could get him some money too but it's not fair to him either. So I get along with what I got

[@AutomateYourLife]

By the way, I also make money from every ad that KZbin serves on my videos. :)

[@berylwhite2983]

I didn't know that at all I'll be there for every one of them. And I'll get all my friends too!

[@AutomateYourLife]

That's one of the biggest things you can do!

[@andrewkerr9309]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@ss4sgoku]

one question do you have any recomendation for a cctv system/ ip cam system with a door station / door bell ? there are a lot but i want a solution that let me record anything (with audio) and let us view everything maybe using a tablet in the house or sendme and alert to my phone etc, my mom its a 78 year old lady with hearth problems and when she hear a sound arround the house she freakout etc and somethines she is alone so something like that can help her make her feel more secure and stay calm...

[@AutomateYourLife]

You know, for that I would actually look at the Ring system and have it integrate with an Echo Show or Spot so she can ask to see cameras. You could also get Wyze Cams if she’s in the US and get some local storage that way. That’ll be much less expensive.

[@AutomateYourLife]

FYI - Wyze Cams will only Display on an Echo Show in the US. Don’t know if you’re there Juan :)

[@ss4sgoku]

I use an Alexa reminder with my echo dots 3 to tell my mom to take some pills it's the best way, and I use an xlink (it fusion the landline and cellphone line and let me chose wich one I can use to make default calls etc) connected to an echo connect to make a receive calls using the echo dot 3 so she can take calls in the house without needing she walk to the phone

[@AutomateYourLife]

That’s a great little addition there with the xlink!

[@DavidLawlessLand]

My Mom is in an assisted living place. She's very old and weak and forgets everything. I had this idea about setting up something like a pet or baby monitor to keep an eye on things when we can't be there. But even more so I want to be able to have a screen set up so that we can facetime her. She's unable to remember or execute even the simplest of anything new to her, like accepting a screen call. So I'm trying to figure out the cheapest way to have my face automatically pop up onto this screen or monitor? Like on one of my favorite childhood cartoons, The Jetsons! I don't know if we could set up a screen with camera and then just leave facetime on indefinitely? That might work with 1 person but then how would the others call and see her? Is there like an Autoaccept option, where any incoming call will go straight to screen time? If you could please shed some light on this dilemma, I would be most grateful! Thank you for your time, David

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hi David, I think this video will help you greatly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWKrk3Zjo9qKd7M I'd set up and Echo Show and use Drop In. Then you'll pop up and it's auto answered. That guide shows you how to set it up for them fully. One thing you can do when you set it up is put it in your own account. You'll have to weigh the other benefits to her having her own account and decide from there.

[@faengelm]

Hi Brian. At 12:01 you mentioned remoting into a local laptop to control devices is the senior's home. I didn't see a link for that. Is this it ? alexa.amazon.com/spa/index.html#cards If so, I can see the devices, but not a way to control them. Frank

[@AutomateYourLife]

So you can go to alexa.amazon.com on any laptop and then manage the account/devices there. That doesn't require a remote connection. I didn't include a link, but I've made AirDroid and AirMirror work between PC/Laptop -> Phone/Tablet on Android. You can find those apps for free. Honestly, if you want a reliable solution here, you need to look at something like TeamViewer. Pricey...but likely the best solution out there.

[@AutomateYourLife]

However, every component I mentioned on this video does NOT require management on the local WiFi network. :)

[@faengelm]

Automate Your Life hi Brian. One other thing I've done to help a senior relative remotely is keep an Echo Dot under their account in my home and turn it on when they have difficulties. That way I can show them that the actual commands work. In one case their TV screen came up blank when they asked the Fire TV cube to turn on the tv and watch a channel on cable TV. I was able to tell their cube to change HDMI to show them it was their cable box that needed a reboot. In the future, I plan to add a smart plug and do that for them with a Routine. Frank

[@AutomateYourLife]

Frank E. That is a great point Frank! You certainly have a great background in this stuff, as expected!

[@ReginaCordoba]

New subscriber

[@AutomateYourLife]

Welcome Regina! If you're looking for more content and ways to help seniors, we talk about it all the time on our news updates as new features come along. However, this video was also made specifically for this situation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYrWYZSwjMiCe7s

[@ReginaCordoba]

@@AutomateYourLife my dad is a stroke survivor I've been looking for ways to help prevent bed sores. Thx

[@jimmyspartacus6]

have u noticed repeat after me not working on google home it says u said

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yeah...something is changing there because I think Routines is getting a massive overhaul.

[@andrewcbartlett]

Any update on this? I have a few ideas

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'd love to hear them!

[@DeneF]

Not sure which side I am on here? I am confused! I know, I am old but the wife's older. I'll get a camera to watch her. Lol. You just categorised me as old and a perv. Oh the folly of youth. Lol

[@AutomateYourLife]

Ahahahahahaha!!! I’m not touching this comment with a 10 foot pole.

[@DeneF]

@@AutomateYourLife Cowardly Yoof! Lol.

[@PoulJulle-wb9iu]

safety first, lets put put our close ones in surveillance environment lol

[@AutomateYourLife]

This would have helped relatives of mine multiple times. There’s nothing funny about it.

[@PoulJulle-wb9iu]

@@AutomateYourLife there is. so would it with mine, i offered the systems even. but im not going to force surveillance on them. perhaps another type of vision could work

[@SpaceStrike]

Hey my friend, is this stuff safe for elderly people? Like does it have any radiation? Can Zigbee, ZWave, IR, RF Harm them? If something is not available in California does that mean it poses a cancer risk because I heard California has strict rules and safety? Thanks

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'm not a health professional, so I'm not going to say 100% on anything. However, the dB and the frequencies have been tested many times. Read the labels before you deploy something next to where someone sits for maximum safety, please. :)

[@SpaceStrike]

Automate Your Life Ok, i think maybe it should be fine if I put it at least 1 foot away from where people stay for long times ex sleep. Like you said in your kitchen tour of staying from WiFi. I hope it’s ok if my parents are sleeping like 3-4 feet from their WiFi Router and any Hubs if I get any

[@Syzygy629]

Does anyone have any idea how to rig up a communication line without using a cell phone. Like can I buy a "Ring" doorbell with two cams and have one at her house without her having wifi? What about buying her a mobile hotspot? I am open to ideas here. Baby cam? Thanks

[@AutomateYourLife]

A mobile hotspot usually requires a smartphone, so you're gonna have to get something in. Some companies do offer mobile hotspots, and you can do the setup on your own phone for sure. But the one thing you can't get around is WiFi.

[@angelacoulson2364]

how much is all this

[@AutomateYourLife]

I can't really answer that through this. It depends what you want to implement and what you don't, but lots of smart home products are $30 - $100, depending on the complexity and the function.

[@bluebonnetjasmine969]

My Amazon Alexa has to be connected to wifi to work at home.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yes it absolutely does, but you can remotely manage Alexa from outside your WiFi zone :) I think that's what you're referring to.

[@bbc7902]

Check my Guardian for automatic fall alert. They works fine for me.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Will do!

[@bbc7902]

@@AutomateYourLife the name is xc-8000 and xc-209 in case you can't find it :)

[@switchboard4029]

Hey Automate Your Life! We are Switchboard - a platform for families to record and share reminder messages with aging loved ones. We are an entirely landline based tool; all seniors need to do is pick up the phone and answer our call to receive their message. Caregivers receive a notification alerting them whether their message was received or not. www.callswitchboard.com/ Would love to have you check us out! SeniorTech is so important. Thank you for covering!

[@annesuekocoyle1956]

Have you actually used any of these? About a million false alarms.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Sounds like you need a bit of help filtering through some issues. In many cases, implementation of a "sensor" isn't enough. You need to get creative, use multiple sensors, and understand your data.

[@tlcbear411]

I am sorry this video is confusing. I am into technology. And I care for elderly parents. I would not recommend any of these items besides the echo. You didn't set up any of these products, you gave vague reasons why to use these products and then you found very expensive products. I own many products and put in my mother home and they cost less then $30. Each has cloud space for free up to 14 day. This video was sponsored buy a lot of high brands. I'm so but I leave in another state then my mother and I could save people alot of money then this business.

[@AutomateYourLife]

This video was not sponsored by any company.