Smart Homes: More Than Just Hip

January 11th, 2016 | by: Lauren Biedenharn | Posted in : New Homes, Real Estate News

Smart homes are the newest trend in the hip housing market. All the spec houses have them and the rest of the world is trying to keep up with all the latest gadgets and gizmos.  Even though these new features might be the top of the trend in homes today, they also serve a purpose for functionality for homeowners.

“For many of us, smart home technology makes our lives easier, provides additional security, or simple makes everyday activities ore enjoyable. However, for the elderly and disables, smart home gadgets can provide independence, peace-of-mind for family members, and even allow them to stay in their homes longer”.  Some gadgets offer remote blind or shade control and lighting control – offering sunlight and lighting to those who may not be able to operate conventional window coverings. “The CES floor was jam-packed with feature-rich but low-cost security cameras that could provide a convenient way to keep tabs on the elderly or disabled from remote locations. One standout was Spot, part of the iSmartAlarm system. Debuting at CES, this camera detects sound and motion, provides streaming video in HD, has a time lapse feature and provides 2-way audio that could be used to communicate with loved ones. The camera can even recognize and notify users when carbon monoxide and smoke detectors alarm in the home. he CES floor was jam-packed with feature-rich but low-cost security cameras that could provide a convenient way to keep tabs on the elderly or disabled from remote locations. One standout was Spot, part of the iSmartAlarm system. Debuting at CES, this camera detects sound and motion, provides streaming video in HD, has a time lapse feature and provides 2-way audio that could be used to communicate with loved ones. The camera can even recognize and notify users when carbon monoxide and smoke detectors alarm in the home. Even better news, these gadgets are now becoming affordable for entry-level buys and no longer exclusive to the wealthy.  This peace-of-mind comes at an incredibly low price—the camera will retail for $99 when it goes on the market later this month.

Another great multi-functional product to keep tabs on loved ones is sense’s Silver Mother. The system offers an internet hub named “mother” and comes with 4 “cookies”, multi-functional, interchangeable sensors that can be used to track a loved one’s activity. For example, whether they’ve taken their medicine, when they left the house or returned, their sleep patterns or the temperature of their home. The system provides detailed activity reports and can provide alerts via text, email or phone calls. The system is available for $299, and four additional cookies can be purchased for $99 more.

A more traditional option is the Iris Senior Care Pendant, which allows an individual to press a button on the pendant in the event of an emergency, and can alert care givers when the wearer leaves their home. The pendant, part of Lowe’s Iris Smart Home Management system is a bargain at $29.99, but requires an Iris Smart Hub, which retails at 49.99.”