Homes contain many potential fire hazards, like a stove that’s left on or space heaters overheating next to some bedding. Installing a few smart plugs or smart outlets to use with these devices can give you peace of mind, even if you live far away. You’ll be able to remotely control and monitor the power to those plugs or outlets via your smartphone and check in anytime to see if there are any potential dangers. As well, you can schedule when these devices turn on to ensure that areas are well lit when required, to avoid slips and falls in the home.

Many modern thermostats now include WiFi-enabled controls and intelligent scheduling. As a caregiver, you could remotely access the thermostat to set the temperature on a schedule, turn up the heat ahead of a major storm, or turn on the air conditioner during a heat wave. If your older adult has limited mobility, a smart thermostat can allow them to easily control the temperature from their smartphone or tablet instead of having to get up.

As an added bonus, smart devices can help lower energy bills and make a home far more efficient.