Smart Homes: Intelligent buildings

Throughout the world advances in technology have enabled the development of products and systems to improve the quality of our lives. Many modern appliances are sensor-operated or remote-controlled, and many items originally designed for the general market have enhanced the lives of people who have problems coping with the complexities of life or physical management of their environment. Telecare products and the advent of smart technology incorporated into smart homes enables some people who would otherwise have struggled in their own homes to continue to live in the community safely, with the support of good social care networks. This article describes smart homes and outlines some of the constituent telecare products and monitoring systems that can be set according to the needs of the household. Case scenarios are provided that demonstrate how levels of independence can be enhanced, particularly for people with disabilities and cognitive impairment. The future of the smart home, and the therapist's role with clients who have or require this type of housing is discussed.