The average home in the UK now features at least some form of smart technology. From Amazon Alexas to Ring doorbells, so many houses across the country employ assistive technology to support people with their day-to-day lives.
While these innovations offer convenience for many, they are truly transformative for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Smart home technology can significantly enhance independence and quality of life for people with SCI.
In this article, we’ll explore how technology in your home can empower your independence, smart home technologies you can implement and their purpose, and how you can create a safe environment within your home.
We will also share how Aspire’s housing support can help you make adaptations to your house and how Aspire Law’s team of specialist spinal cord injury lawyers will be by your side throughout your recovery.
Technology for the home
Technology in the home used to be a figment of the most creative imaginations, or the thing of science fiction films. However, with the evolution of our ever-changing digital world, our homes are becoming progressively smarter, and are packed with groundbreaking technological advancements.
These technologies offer more than just convenience; they provide essential support for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other disabilities, who often face challenges navigating their homes.
Independence and mental well-being
Your home might feel wildly different to how it did pre-injury. There will be so many areas that won’t be accessible to you anymore and feeling out of place in your own home is an incredibly unsettling feeling.
However, smart home environments with intelligent technology are slowly empowering independence for people with SCI, enabling them to control more of their home with the click of a button, or even a voice command.
With this transition, your personal environment will be more accessible to you, and begin to feel more like home again. This sense of agency in your own space has a profound impact on mental well-being.
Reducing dependency on others and knowing that your home is there to help you, not hinder you, will provide you with a significant sense of fulfilment and security.
Smart Home Features
Digital technology is revolutionising accessibility and making it easier for people with disabilities to live independently. Read on to learn more about the smart home technologies available for people with SCI.
Voice Activation
Outstandingly, almost 8.4 billion voice assistants are expected to be used around the world in 2025, according to Demand Sage.
There’s no wonder why! These voice assistants, like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, respond to verbal commands and can control lighting, temperature ranges, play music, set timers, remind you of important events, and even send messages to your loved ones.
Automated Home Environment
Doors openings at the click of a button may seem a little futuristic within one’s own home, however, this is a rising trend in adapted homes.
This transforms how people with spinal cord injuries can navigate their spaces, which otherwise can be very challenging.
Smart Home Security
It’s more important than ever to feel safe in our homes. Feeling secure is especially crucial for those who are less able to protect themselves.
With the advent of digital technology, people can now see, in real-time, what’s happening at their front doors. Additionally, with movement sensor technology and facial recognition, the entrance to our homes is protected, encouraging peace of mind.
Automated Medication Dispensers
Although pill boxes are an invaluable tool for organising one’s medication, sometimes it can be difficult to dispense these pills and remember to take them on time.
The advancements in automated devices mean that they can now be programmed to dispense your medication at scheduled times of your choosing, send you reminders, and alert your caregivers. This transforms the process for those with limited mobility, including those with spinal cord injuries.
Creating a smart, safe haven
Think of smart home technology as your own personal assistant, one that you can employ the help of no matter the time of day. They empower independence, and people with spinal cord injuries can significantly enhance their quality of life and improve their mental well-being.
Housing adaptations
Returning home from the hospital after your accident can be challenging and your space might need adaptations to facilitate your needs and improve its accessibility. So many of our homes simply aren’t suitable for a wheelchair user.
Adapting your home could look like installing access ramps, changing doorways or adding a new bathroom to assist your recovery and support your independence where possible.
Additionally, the charity Aspire has an assistive technology programme that can help you independently use a laptop, computer, tablet or phone, no matter your level of spinal cord injury.
Access the support you need
Our team of specialist spinal cord injury lawyers provide clients with a proactive and personal service and strives to achieve the best possible level of compensation in the shortest time possible.
We also empower you to attain rehabilitation packages that will better your recovery and enable you to return, as much as possible, to an independent lifestyle.
With access to immediate assistance, short-term assistance and long-term assistance, as well as support for housing requirements, Aspire Law is here for all your needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and how we can give you the support you deserve.
