As a concerned son, I want to share my journey in creating a home automation system for my mom, who is over 70 and lives alone. Her recent experience with a break-in has made her increasingly nervous, and while she’s not interested in a traditional alarm system, she’d like to enhance her home’s security through automation. My goal is to create a system that is easy to use, reliable, and doesn’t require constant adjustments—something that’s truly set-and-forget.
I’ve been researching various platforms and devices, and I’m leaning towards a solution that combines smart lighting with motion sensors. The idea is to automate lights in a random pattern when she’s away, making it less appealing for potential intruders. When she’s home, the lights should adjust based on her movements without her needing to interact with them constantly.
One of the challenges is ensuring compatibility with her existing setup. Her house was built in the 1950s, so I’m not sure about the wiring, but I’m hoping to find solutions that don’t require a neutral wire. I’ve also been exploring the possibility of using Alexa for voice control, as she’s already comfortable with it. Motion sensors are another area of interest, but I want to avoid any that might be too sensitive or prone to false alarms.
I’m considering plug-in lights for areas where in-wall switches aren’t feasible, but ideally, I’d like to use in-wall switches to maintain convenience. She’s not keen on telling Alexa to turn lights on and off constantly, so a system that can detect her presence and adjust lighting accordingly would be ideal.
I’d love to hear from others who have experience with similar setups. What platforms or devices have you found to be the most reliable and user-friendly for elderly users? Any suggestions for motion sensors that are both effective and trouble-free would be greatly appreciated. Let’s work together to create a safe and comfortable environment for my mom and others like her.