Smart Housing And Social Care
Housing designed for all are essential
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.
Networks enables
devices to talk to 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.
Smart Thinking: Socio-Medical and
Assistive technological Research for Today
The
Independent Health Research Consultancy
