Types of care technology
The different types of care technology that can help you stay independent.
Smart home technology
Smart home technology allows you to remotely control appliances around your home using a smartphone, home hub or tablet connected to the internet. Here are some examples of smart home technology:
- Smart plugs can be integrated into other smart home technology allowing you ease and flexibility to turn appliances on and off remotely, such as individual lights, portable heaters, garden sprinkler hose and more
- Smart heating control solutions allows you to monitor and control heating requirements from your smart device
- Smart or video doorbells will provide extra security, you can see who is at the door and talk to them before you answer it. A safe way to talk to cold callers
- Smart speakers and virtual assistants are voice-activated devices that can perform certain tasks like play music and record your shopping list
Movement sensors and home monitoring systems
These are devices which can be worn or fitted around your home. They can help keep you safe by alerting others that you might need help, for example, if you have a fall, the person who cares for you will be alerted. Some examples of how this technology can be used are:
- Lights which come on when you move, to keep you safe
- Video doorbells which can show you who is at the door, so you can decide whether to answer it or not
- Wearable alarms which either send automatic alerts or can be activated by you manually in an emergency
- Smoke and fire alarm detectors
Smart phones, video devices and wearables
There are many different types of smart devices, and it is important to choose the ones that best suit your needs. This is because using the right device and technology can help you support your independence, health and wellbeing. For example:
- A smart watch is a wearable device that can monitor your step count, heart rate and you can also set reminders
- On a tablet or smart phone, you can subscribe to virtual exercise programmes and apps to join in with others and be part of an online community to share similar experiences
- You can control your smart home remotely using your smart phone
- Having a device with a built-in camera will allow you to download apps such as Whatsapp and Zoom so that you can video call your friends, family or carer
Wandsworth Watch Lifeline
Watch Lifeline is an emergency home response alarm service provided by us, available to older people, and people of all ages with disabilities or specific medical needs.
It operates 24 hours a day and help is at hand at the touch of a button.
Robotics and cobotics
Robots are a common feature in industry and manufacturing as they are designed to perform certain and often repetitive tasks. Their main purpose is to assist and make tasks more effective and efficient and for this reason they are called collaborative robots or cobots. This type of technology is now becoming a reality in our homes as some household chores can be automated, for example:
- Robot vacuum cleaners can help people who struggle with mobility to keep their home clean by simply pressing a switch to start
- Robot lawn mower can help your gardening as it will mow the lawn for you
- Cobots or exoskeletons are worn by a carer or people who struggle with mobility to support movement or avoid injury
Read about the benefits of using care technology.