How the Right Smart Home Technology Can Blend Visibility and Comfort in Senior Living

In June, Rhode Island’s legislature passed a bill allowing Ring-style cameras in residents’ rooms at nursing homes and assisted living communities. It’s now the eighth state to do so nationwide. 

Supporters of this bill believe cameras provide the visibility necessary to boost families’ confidence in their loved ones’ care. But some senior living advocates worry that the tech could erode the home-like atmosphere that attracts residents in the first place.

But what if there was a middle ground? The answer could be smart home technology – paired with other connected devices – that blends visibility and comfort. 

In this piece, we’ll explore how the right tech can give residents, families, and staff the tools they need to boost communication and transparency without harming the senior living experience. But first, let’s examine why legislation like Rhode Island’s could be problematic for residents.

Background: How In-Room Smart Cameras Could Affect the Resident Experience

In-room smart cameras are well-intentioned. They give families peace of mind by allowing them to visually check in on loved ones from anywhere in the world. That’s great for families who can’t visit often in person. And after last year’s reporting on elopements and other incidents, in-room cameras can help families feel more confident in their loved one’s care.

But for residents, the presence of cameras can easily create an atmosphere of surveillance. Some may feel uncomfortable at the thought of being watched 24 / 7 and might not feel at ease in their living space. What’s more, they might feel robbed of the ability to manage their care and aging experience on their own terms.

This doesn’t mean that families and communities shouldn’t use tech to ensure resident’s needs are being met. But that effort shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort and dignity. In the next few sections, we’ll share a few tools that can help you strike the right balance. 

Smart Home Tech Enhances Communication Between Residents, Families, and Staff

Smart home devices like Amazon Alexa can streamline communication without infringing on residents’ comfort. For instance, a resident can call home with a simple “Alexa, call my daughter” – or accept an incoming call with “Alexa, answer the phone.” And the easier it is to call, the more likely residents are to stay in touch with family.

Alexa can also automate key staff interactions with residents. Instead of manually reminding residents about appointments and medications, Alexa can automatically alert residents on a preset schedule. This ensures nothing falls through the cracks and can give families more peace of mind. If something does go awry (like, say, a missed doctor’s appointment), a relative can message staff through the family engagement app to ensure prompt action.

Alongside Alexa, a few other smart devices can make communication simple. Consider giving residents access to…

• Tablets: These let residents video-call family from an easy-to-see screen – providing a powerful way to connect with relatives at a distance.
• Wearables: Apple Watches and other wearables can track residents’ vital signs (such as their heart rate and blood pressure) and share that data with authorized family members and staff. Many of these devices are also equipped with fall detection sensors that can alert emergency contacts in the event of an accident.

The bottom line? The right tech can help you maintain an attentive and supportive environment that pleases residents and families.

Smart Home Tech Empowers Residents to Control Their Own Senior Living Experience

Smart home tech does more than just enhance communication. For residents, the user experience can be incredibly empowering. As their care needs evolve, older adults can use smart home tech to maintain their independence and define their own senior living experience. 

Consider a resident using an Alexa-enabled device, for instance. In addition to calling family or phoning the front desk, they can ask to turn on the lights, adjust the temperature, or order room service with a quick voice command. This gives them more control over their living space and overall comfort.

With the right software integrations, residents can also use voice commands to independently…

• Hear the latest announcements.
• Check the weather.
• Review their schedule.
• Check today’s menu.
• Make a maintenance request.
• Set an event reminder.

The more often residents use smart home tech, the more ownership they’ll feel over their senior living experience. That’s a win for families, too: an empowered loved one can age with more joy and grace.

Invest in Smart Senior Living

In states with legislation like Rhode Island’s, senior living communities will still be required to accommodate requests for in-room smart cameras. But with the smart home tech we’ve shared here, those requests might be few and far between. The easier it is to communicate with residents, report accidents, and ensure consistent care, the more families will trust in the quality of their loved one’s experience.If you’re interested in smart home solutions that can foster that trust, Icon can help. Book a demo or reach out to start a conversation.