07.08.2023 Gabriele Strasser 9767

Technology for seniors: What makes everyday life easier?

Our homecare eldercare experts present technical solutions that make everyday life easier for older people and ensure greater safety. 

1. security: smart doorbells

Smart doorbells are not only used to know who is ringing the doorbell when you are not at home. They are also a valuable aid for people with limited mobility. If a trusted person (e.g. from a care service) rings the doorbell, they can open the door from their bed or armchair without having to get up. 

 1.1 How do smart doorbells work?

When the doorbell is pressed, an acoustic signal is emitted as usual. At the same time, an external camera, which is installed in the peephole or above the door, for example, starts a video recording. Using a mobile device (e.g. cell phone, tablet or external device with display), you can see the person(s) in front of your door and can communicate via the indoor and outdoor units at the door and grant the person access without having to answer the door. Some models allow visitors to leave a message if they are absent. 

1.2 Costs and availability

Smart doorbells are available from as little as 99 euros. The devices recommended by comparison portals start at 199 euros and may require installation. They are available from various online mail order companies or local electronics stores.

2. safety: emergency watch with GPS function - smartwatch

The emergency watch for seniors is a smartwatch with limited functions that are tailored to the needs of older people. It looks like a normal wristwatch, with a simple display and large menu items.

The special feature is the SOS button, which can be used to make an emergency call quickly and easily. In contrast to the home emergency call, the emergency call watch is equipped with a GPS function. This means that people can be located and assisted quickly in an emergency, even outside their own four walls. 

2.1 How does the emergency call system work?  

Emergency call watches have different functions depending on the model. The most important is to make an emergency call. A positioning system (e.g. GPS) should be installed to determine the wearer's location. A SIM card is also required so that calls can be made from anywhere. As a rule, several numbers are stored, which are called after pressing the SOS button according to the previously defined sequence. The watch should have a hands-free function so that you can speak directly to the person in an emergency. 

Further functions can be: 

2.2 Emergency clock: What must be observed?

The watch should have a long battery life and be waterproof so that it can also be worn in the shower. The emergency watch is only suitable to a limited extent for people suffering from dementia. In the advanced stages of the disease, they may no longer be able to operate the watch correctly to make an emergency call.

2.3 Costs and availability

Emergency watches are available in different price ranges. Depending on their functionality (e.g. battery life/water resistance) and design, they cost between 100 and 400 euros. In addition, there is the cost of the SIM card with the corresponding data volume. They are available in electronics or watch stores as well as on the Internet.  

3. communication: voice assistance systems 

Modern voice assistants enable users to interact with computers and other devices via spoken and written commands and requests. With the help of artificial intelligence, they conduct human-like conversations and perform a variety of tasks. 

Voice assistants can be useful in many ways for older people or those in need of care. As they often suffer from age-related limitations such as vision and hearing loss, they may have difficulty operating conventional electronic devices. Voice assistants can perform everyday tasks for them without the need to touch physical objects. For example, they can answer questions about medication, give directions to a doctor's appointment, remind them of appointments and events or even provide entertainment.

3.1 Voice assistance systems: What needs to be considered?

Communication problems may occur due to hearing problems or unclear pronunciation as well as in a noisy environment. Network problems or an unstable Internet connection can lead to delays or malfunctions.

Some older people may be unsure how to use the voice assistant correctly. They may have difficulty remembering the necessary commands and procedures. There may also be concerns about privacy and security, especially if the voice assistant asks for information such as financial or health data. 

3.2 What are the most common voice assistance systems?

Alexa: Amazon's voice assistant has integrated a large number of smart home and other devices that can be controlled via voice commands. Alexa has numerous skills that can support older people, e.g. "My home" for controlling smart home devices, "Recipe assistant" or "Radio.de". Some skills are free, others may be subject to a charge.

Google Assistant: Google's voice assistant is available on Android phones and various other devices. A variety of smart home and other devices can also be integrated here. The Google Assistant can help older people, for example by setting reminders or answering questions. Google Assistant is free to use.

Siri is Apple's voice assistant and is available on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Mac computers. It can be integrated with a limited number of smart home and other devices. Siri also has a library of skills, although this is limited compared to Alexa and Google Assistant. 

Bixby is Samsung's voice assistant and is available on many Samsung smartphones and tablets. It can be integrated with some Samsung Smart Home and other devices.

Microsoft Cortana is available on Windows PCs and laptops as well as on some smart home devices, and there is also a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Xiao AI isthe voice assistant from Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics manufacturer. It is available on many Xiaomi smartphones and devices.

3.3 Voice assistance systems: costs and availability

The cost of voice assistance systems can vary depending on the manufacturer, device and range of functions. Some, such as Google Assistant or Apple Siri, are free and pre-installed on compatible devices. Other systems such as Alexa or Microsoft Cortana require the purchase of a device, which can cost between 30 and 200 euros depending on the model and features.

4. help in everyday life: vacuum robots 

With a robot vacuum cleaner, floors and carpets are always clean without much effort. Robot vacuum cleaners can reach every corner of the home and can also be used under sofas, cupboards and chests of drawers. They are therefore a great help, especially for older people.  

4.1 How do robotic vacuum cleaners work?

A robot vacuum cleaner is programmed or controlled via an app so that it takes over the daily vacuuming. The robot can also be programmed or switched on and off on the move via the app and a Wi-Fi connection. There are combination products that not only vacuum but also mop. Other vacuum robots "work" together with a mopping robot.

4.2 What is important when making a selection?

The various models differ in price, suction power, handling and obstacle clearance.

Which model is most suitable in each individual case depends on the following factors, among others:

4.3 Robot vacuum cleaner costs and availability

Robot vacuum cleaners cost between 100 and 1,000 euros. They are available from various online mail order companies or local electronics stores. 

5. helpful links

Smart doorbells in the test

Robot vacuum cleaners in the test