Smart Homes and Social Care

Traditionally, Smart Homes have been designed for the rich and famous. Devices such as door openers, activated by telephone, have not been considered for use within the care sector. Assistive Technology (the use of products or equipment, used to help maintain or improve functional capabilities) has begun to be accepted by the care sector and as a result environmental control systems are being used.

Smart Home technology uses the same basic devices that are used in Assistive Technology to build an environment in which many features in the home are automated and devices can communicate with each other.

Smart Homes are often the ideal solution for individuals with differing levels of disabilities. This is because a Smart Home can:

1. Provide an environment that is constantly monitored to ensure the individual is safe (activity monitoring).
2. Automate specific tasks that an individual is unable to perform (turning lights on or off).
3. Provide a safe and secure environment (alerting the user of potentially dangerous activities).
4. Alert helpers or carers should the occupant be in difficulties (through linking to the local community alarm scheme).
5. Enable and empower the user.
6. Facilitate in the rehabilitation of individuals (by giving prompts that could be auditory and/or visual)

There are many other ways in which Smart Homes can be of benefit to the disabled and older people. CUSTODIAN is designed to enable its users to design smart homes for individuals with disabilities that reflect their personal needs. There is significant potential for this software within the Occupational Therapy, Social Care Management, Care Provider, Housing Provider markets.

For more information see: