Smart homes: an asset for the independence of the elderly

Today, smart sensor technology is present worldwide in smart homes, office buildings, modern building control systems and Industry 4.0. The networking of intelligent equipment plays an increasingly important role, made possible by the use of data transmitted by sensors. This data is used in buildings mainly to save costs and energy. But in smart homes, the focus is more on the needs of the inhabitants, on comfort and security.

Assisted living at home falls into the latter category, as the focus is more on safety, comfort and independence than on efficiency and cost reduction. Population aging in developed countries poses major challenges to the health sector. The world's population is getting older, there are more people in need of care, but the available care personnel are not increasing in the same proportion. As a result, health care for the elderly is increasingly expensive. In addition, more and more elderly people want to stay in their homes as long as possible.

Modern technologies can contribute to the implementation of suitable solutions. Developments and innovations in the areas of building automation and smart home can make an important contribution in this regard. Wireless sensors based on the EnOcean radio standard can be easily installed in existing infrastructures and can thus contribute to improving the quality of life of people on a daily basis, especially when they have entered old age. These solutions can also provide support, or even relief, to loved ones and caregivers.

Security and comfort at home - even in old age

Movement sensors in mattresses and bedrooms, presence and fall detectors or easy-to-install emergency call and control buttons provide important and necessary information for living safely and comfortably at home. , even at an advanced age. It is important that this support integrates seamlessly into everyday life. Another significant aspect is the simple and intuitive use of the equipment, comparable to smartphone apps. The smart home may be the right solution for this. The intelligent control of light, heating, blinds and other electrical appliances increases the living comfort of the whole family. Aids for the elderly can be added easily and invisibly. These can be sensors that record activity and well-being, for example. One of the advantages is that they only provide assistance when needed and in an emergency.

Flexible adaptable radio systems

An important requirement for these solutions is that they can be easily installed in existing environments, both at home and in healthcare facilities. This allows people in need of help to live as independently as possible in their familiar environment for as long as possible. These solutions are also advantageous for some healthcare facilities, but if they are to be implemented in existing facilities, daily activities should be disrupted as little as possible. This is why wired systems are not suitable for this scenario, because the effort required to equip each sensor with a cable would be far too great. Furthermore, the flexibility of the solutions would be greatly impaired, because once installed, the sensors would be very difficult to disassemble and install elsewhere. This is why wireless systems clearly have the advantage: Without being dependent on any wiring, switches, smoke detectors, occupancy, temperature, air quality and light sensors do not require maintenance-free and can be easily installed where they are really needed, even on furniture, glass or doors: for example, a motion detector for controlling the light on the bed frame or a touch sensor integrated in the mattress for light and heating control, which also signals whether the elderly person lies down unusually in the morning or leaves the bed unexpectedly at night. At the same time, these sensors can also be integrated into existing systems at any time.

Completely battery-free operation

Many solutions that operate without an external power supply have a major drawback: batteries must generate the energy needed for switches and sensors. This has a negative impact on maintenance costs on the one hand and on the environment on the other. The batteries must be checked and replaced regularly, which is very expensive with a large number of sensors. The disposal of batteries is also a problem, because their toxic content, harmful to the environment, requires specific treatment.

EnOcean technology is taking a radically different path: Wireless switches and sensors capture and store the energy necessary for their operation. When a switch is operated, the electromechanical energy converter inside converts the movement into energy. This signal can be used to switch on and off household appliances and lights, for example. Modules powered by small photovoltaic cells can make do with low light intensities, not exceeding 50 lux. These can be temperature, CO2 and presence sensors, for example, but also contacts attached to windows or humidity sensors. However, the sensors can also operate without batteries if the light supply is too low: a temperature difference of just two degrees Celsius provides enough energy to operate a self-powered heating valve.

Automated daily assistance

Thanks to their operation by radio signal, these solutions can be gradually adapted to changing needs. Lights can be turned on and off automatically with presence sensors, and magnetic contacts on windows and doors allow the heating to be lowered automatically when the window is open or when everyone has left the house. When the premises are unoccupied, all electrical appliances such as the stove and the washing machine can be switched off for safety.

While many older people want to stay in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible, many applications based on the EnOcean radio standard can help make this wish a reality.

Conclusion

With the help of modern technologies, it is possible to remain independent even in old age. Among these technologies, autonomous and wireless sensors occupy a prominent place and are becoming increasingly important in the sector of assisted living at home, as they offer the elderly a high degree of independence. and comfort. However, this form of assistance should not be imposed and should not invade the privacy of individuals (such as cameras). Solutions based on EnOcean radio standard sensors are particularly suitable for this type of application. Once installed and put into operation, they operate without any maintenance and provide reliable data to control and monitor the health status of people in need of assistance.

Tribune by Emmanuel FRANCOIS, Sales Manager West Europe at EnOcean GmbH (LinkedIn).