Remote Control for the Smoke Alarm

If you, or your remote loved one, is capable of handling a mobile phone app under stressful conditions, some smoke alarm providers such as Nest allow you to use the app to silence it.

IF… you can find your phone, unlock it, and open the app all during this stressful time.

Smart Plug with Auto Shutoff

Isn’t there a simple solution using a smart plug with Alexa to turn the plug off after a fixed time? Yes, and this describes how to set it up.

Forgot to Turn Off the Iron, Hotplate, or Heater

Forgot to Turn Off the Iron, Hotplate, or Heater

Have you ever plugged in a device, turned it on and later forgot it was still plugged in? If this was a device that consumed a lot of energy such as a clothes iron, electric hotplate, coffee pot, tea kettle or a space heater you might have wasted some power or even have caused some damage.

Smart Thermostat, Dementia or Poor Vision

Smart Thermostat, Dementia or Poor Vision

I needed a smart thermostat to help overcome problems of an elderly relative with dementia and low vision. I ended up creating a solution that combined a commercially available thermostat with some DIY automation using Alexa.

Parent Continually Fiddling with Thermostat

Parent Continually Fiddling with Thermostat

Is your loved one continually misadjusting their thermostat — potentially causing health and financial issues? I wanted a thermostat that would work for people with dementia or impaired vision, or who for other reasons have trouble managing their thermostat.

Active Aging: Rethinking the Use of Everyday Objects

Repurposing Everyday Objects

Co-author: Stephen Gilson As our bodies change with age, we are often advised by well-meaning health providers, family and friends to relinquish the activities we value and that give our lives meaning.   We prefer the process of rethinking and repurposing everyday, affordable objects — so we can keep doing the “things we love“.   This approach has worked … Read more

Fridge for Forgetful Senior

Fridge for Forgetful Senior

We have several problems relating to a fridge and a forgetful senior who lives alone. We worry that she will leave the fridge open by mistake and that the food will spoil and make her sick. We worry that she forgets to throw out food as it gets old, and that the food in her fridge includes food that is past its "eat by date".

Auto Shut Off Faucet and Leak Sensor

Auto Shut Off Faucet and Leak Sensor

I was worried about water leaks and about forgetting to turn off the water, so I installed an auto shut off faucet and a water leak sensor. Here is how to do it.

Forgets to Wash Hands, Flush Toilet

Forgets to Wash Hands, Flush Toilet

My mother (with dementia) wakes up often in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and forgets to wash her hands/flush the toilet. She often forgets during the day as well.