At Lowe’s website Livable Home you can see an informative article and video explaining Technology for the Ultimate Smart Home. Technology can contribute to a safer and more accessible home. The goal of a more livable home is to design a home that focuses on safety and accessibility. Good home safety and accessibility are very helpful for all people but especially for individuals with disabilities.

According to the author, Holly H., “The convenience of smart home technology makes our everyday lives easier, connecting appliances and devices to the power of the internet and each other.” This article shows smart home technology options and how they can all work together with a smart hub. According to the article, “For a home to be truly smart, it should have smart devices that are compatible with one another. Bringing a smart home automation system all together with a smart hub ensures seamless integration and connectivity throughout your home. The convenience of a central control point streamlines and simplifies your use of the various devices around your home.”

Creating a safer and more accessible home should involve Universal Design (UD). The principles of UD contribute to the convenience and function of products and home spaces by making products and spaces safer, easier to use and, more accessible. Technology can help. For additional information about UD please see Universal Design.

Careful planning is important to creating a safer and more accessible home using UD and technology. A safer and more accessible home should include aging-in-place considerations.

Universal Design is a key part of aging-in-place home modifications. A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is trained in the application of UD for home modifications to help aging and disabled individuals remain in their homes longer. CAPS consultants and UD incorporate the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA) into residential home design and modifications.

Richard Acree is a CAPS consultant with many years of experience as a home inspector and accessibility inspector. For more information about aging-in-place services please see Residential Accessibility.

Please call 615-752-0060 or email at inspections4ada@gmail.com for help with aging-in-place home modifications for you or your loved one.

Thank you.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy or use any product or service offered or provided by Lowe’s or any other company or vendor. Consumers and contractors should do their own due diligence to determine what product or service best meets their needs.