Independent Living Aids

Two days ago I received a packet from AARP and I’m not even 50 yet (come November I’ll be)! As a baby boomer and a disabled vet myself, more and more of us are joining the ranks of the soon to require independent living aids. What most of us in the HA industry refers to as convenience/lifestyle/comfort systems can often be used in environments that require assisted living.

Here’s an example: A few years ago I gave a paraplegic friend of mine the X10 keychain remote and transceiver kit (XPPHK05) as a Christmas present. He called a few days later thanking and asking me where  can he get additional modules for his system. Eventually we ended up setting him up with an X10 thermostat (RCTX16B), some lamp modules (XPPLM01) and a Mini Timer (XPXPMT1). Remote lighting and thermostat control will always be an essential aid for independent living as they are the most utilized and energy hungry systems in the home. Efficient management of these systems through some fairly simple automation controllers such as the X10 Activehome Kit (XPCM11A) is an excellent tool for helping anyone that requires assistance in their daily activities.

Room to room intercom is another must have independent living aid. The new wireless intercoms from Westinghouse (WHI4C, WHI4S) are about as close to plug-and-play as you can find. Since the intercom stations communicate via RF, powerline X10 signals are not affected. The system also have a voice-activated intercom station (WHI4CUPG) which is great for bedside monitoring. The wireless doorbell kit (WHDBI5C) enables the homeowner to communicate to whomever is at the front door through any intercom room stations.  Since there is no wiring involved, this is an easy product for DIY’ers to install.

Pretty much all of the essential automation features like lighting control, HVAC management, security and video monitoring can be applied in an independent living environment. With the advent of newer/better technologies and the living requirements of aging baby boomers, the adoption of home automation devices in virtually all homes will become a reality sooner than later.