Best smart home devices for aging in place

We like the Amazon Echo Dot (5th generation), which uses the Alexa assistant to interpret your vocal commands. It can interact with any smart home device that’s compatible with Alexa, so you can ask it to set a timer, turn on the TV, or order an Uber. If you have smart light bulbs or locks, you can also ask them to check the security of the front door or dim the living room lights.

There are plenty of ways to secure your home and identify or scare off any lurkers without breaking the bank. We love the EufyCam 2C Security Kit. It's easy to set up, can easily integrate with other devices on your smart home network (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit right off the bat), and has free local storage at a competitive price. Each camera in the kit has a motion-triggered alarm to deter crooks, clear, colour night vision, and two-way audio so you can chat with anyone at the door. 

They’re weather-proof, so you can mount them indoors or outdoors. They do need a charge every six months though, so either bring them inside for the day or chuck on some compatible solar panels.

Our favourite is the TP-Link Tapo Smart Motion Sensor. It sends alerts straight to your phone and is compatible with devices like smart globes to illuminate your hallways during the night. 

Assembly is easy, just mount it using the built-in magnets or with some 3M adhesive. Secure it on your patio or in the front yard to keep out any animals or people roaming the area. If you decide to use sensors outside, make sure you place them in an undercover area because they’re not weather-resistant. 

The downside is you’ll need the H100 hub to use the motion sensor and other Tapo smart home products. It's around the same price as the sensor, but it can connect up to 64 devices (like smart bulbs, door sensors, and doorbells). The TP-Link Tapo Smart Motion Sensor is compatible with Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, so you can control the sensors with the smart assistant of your choice.

Smart light bulbs can help illuminate dark areas and prevent falls during the night. The Phillips Hue White A60 Smart Bulb is an affordable, 75W soft white light bulb. They're around $30 each, compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and are easy to install and operate using your smartphone. 

Smart plugs are great because they’re budget-friendly, easy to use, and can turn anything into a smart device. Use them as timers to ensure heaters or fans aren't left on all night or use them to control smart light switches. You’ll no longer need to physically turn off or control table lamps, space heaters, fans, or Christmas lights.

Meross Smart Plugs are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. This means you can ask Alexa to turn off the TV or keep the heater on until bedtime. Under $50 for a pack of four is a deal too good to pass up! 

The Apple SE (2nd generation) smartwatch is packed with senior-friendly features like health tracking and fall detection. The watch detects a change in speed and altitude, triggering a fall alert. It’ll ask if you need any assistance and if you don't respond, it’ll call for help in the next 60 seconds. 

It also has a side button that can call emergency contacts and share medical information (like which medications you're taking and your blood type) with first responders. 

The Apple SE (2nd generation) is pretty expensive up front, but if you have an iPhone, you won't need to fork out a monthly fee or get a compatible eSIM plan.

If you’re looking for something simpler than a smartwatch, the LiveLife Mobile Alarm is a pendant with an array of features. You can set up to six emergency contacts, including 000. If you press the SOS button on the pendant, it’ll message your contacts and attach your GPS location. It also has automatic fall detection, so if you take a tumble, all emergency contacts will be notified with your location. 

We love the Google Nest Protect because it sends you an alert if it senses smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide, and in what room, so you can turn it off before the alarm sounds. You can operate it via the app so you don’t have to climb up onto a chair to turn it off. Instead of that constant beeping, you’ll get a notification on your phone. 

You can also combine it with other products like a Google Nest Cam to start recording when the alarm sounds. If you have an Amazon Echo, you can ask Alexa to turn off the alarm and control the Nest Protect with your voice.