Top 10 Smart Home Devices for Assisted Living Communities

Smart home devices are changing the way retirement homes approach operations, offering enhanced safety, convenience, and comfort for residents while offering significant cost savings to communities 

In this post, we’ll explore some top smart home devices that can improve the quality of life in retirement homes and reduce operational costs.

1. Amazon Echo: The Ultimate Voice Assistant

The Amazon Echo is a versatile voice assistant that helps residents manage daily tasks through simple voice commands, ideal for communal living spaces in retirement homes.

• Features: Voice-activated control of lights, alarms, reminders, and more.
• Benefits: Hands-free operation, easy setup, and can control shared devices.
• Cost Savings: By reducing the need for manual assistance with reminders and controls, staff time can be optimized, leading to labor cost savings.
• Setup Tips: Plug in the Echo, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the Alexa app instructions.

Shop Amazon Echo

2. Google Nest: Smart Thermostat for Comfort and Savings

The Google Nest thermostat learns temperature preferences and adjusts accordingly, maintaining a comfortable environment in common areas and individual rooms.

• Features: Energy-saving technology, remote control via smartphone.
• Benefits: Lower energy bills, comfortable communal and private spaces.
• Cost Savings: Google Nest thermostats can save up to 15% on cooling and 10-12% on heating bills, translating to significant savings in energy costs for large facilities.
• Setup Tips: Replace old thermostats, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the Nest app instructions.

Shop Google Nest Thermostat

3. Ring Doorbell: Enhancing Security and Peace of Mind

The Ring Video Doorbell allows staff and residents to see, hear, and speak to visitors at the door from their smartphones, tablets, or PCs.

• Features: Real-time video monitoring, motion detection, two-way audio.
• Benefits: Increased security, peace of mind for staff and residents.
• Cost Savings: Enhanced security can reduce the need for additional security personnel and lower insurance premiums.
• Setup Tips: Install the doorbell, connect to Wi-Fi, and set up with the Ring app.

Shop Ring Video Doorbell

4. Philips Hue: Smart Lighting Solutions

Philips Hue smart lights can be controlled via voice commands or a smartphone, offering customizable lighting solutions for communal areas and individual rooms.

• Features: Adjustable lighting, energy-efficient LED bulbs.
• Benefits: Easy lighting control, enhanced ambiance in common areas.
• Cost Savings: Energy-efficient LED bulbs and automated lighting schedules can reduce electricity costs by up to 75%.
• Setup Tips: Install bulbs, connect to the Philips Hue bridge, and use the app to set up.

Shop Philips Hue Starter Kit

5. Kasa Smart Plugs: Simplifying Control of Household Devices

Smart plugs allow residents and staff to control household appliances remotely through their smartphone or voice assistant.

• Features: Remote control, scheduling, and energy monitoring.
• Benefits: Convenience, energy savings, safety.
• Cost Savings: Scheduling appliances to turn off when not in use can lead to substantial reductions in electricity usage.
• Setup Tips: Plug into the outlet, connect to Wi-Fi, and use the app to control devices.

Shop Kasa Smart Plug

6. Eufy Security Camera: Comprehensive Home Monitoring

Eufy security cameras offer easy-to-use, high-definition video surveillance to ensure the safety of residents.

• Features: HD video, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection.
• Benefits: Enhanced home security, peace of mind.
• Cost Savings: Reducing the need for physical security patrols and potentially lowering insurance costs.
• Setup Tips: Mount the camera, connect to Wi-Fi, and set up with the Eufy app.

Shop Eufy Security Camera

7. Roomba: Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

The iRobot Roomba makes household cleaning effortless for staff, ensuring a clean and dust-free environment.

• Features: Automated cleaning, scheduling, and smart navigation.
• Benefits: Less physical strain, cleaner home.
• Cost Savings: Reduces the need for manual cleaning labor, saving on staff time and cleaning service costs.
• Setup Tips: Charge the Roomba, set up the home base, and use the app to schedule cleanings.

Shop iRobot Roomba

8. Lifx Smart Bulbs: Easy Lighting Control

Lifx smart bulbs provide customizable and energy-efficient lighting solutions that can be controlled via a smartphone or voice assistant.

• Features: Adjustable brightness and color, energy-efficient LEDs.
• Benefits: Enhanced ambiance, easy control.
• Cost Savings: By using energy-efficient bulbs and automating lighting, facilities can save significantly on electricity costs.
• Setup Tips: Screw in the bulbs, connect to Wi-Fi, and set up with the Lifx app.

Shop Lifx Smart Bulbs

9. August Smart Door Locks: Keyless Entry for Enhanced Security

Smart door locks like the August Smart Lock allow residents and staff to lock and unlock doors using their smartphones, ensuring security without the hassle of keys.

• Features: Keyless entry, remote control, auto-lock/unlock.
• Benefits: Increased security, ease of access.
• Cost Savings: Reduced need for key management and replacement, saving on administrative costs.
• Setup Tips: Install on existing deadbolt, connect to Wi-Fi, and configure with the app.

Shop August Smart Lock

10. Smart Speakers with Displays: Visual Assistance and Entertainment

Devices like the Amazon Echo Show combine the functionality of a smart speaker with a display, providing visual aids and entertainment options for residents.

• Features: Voice commands, video calls, streaming services, visual information.
• Benefits: Easy access to information, entertainment, and communication.
• Cost Savings: Can reduce the need for multiple devices (radio, TV, phone) and provide centralized control, saving on equipment costs.
• Setup Tips: Plug in the device, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the setup instructions in the Alexa app.

Shop Amazon Echo Show