Technology to help with household tasks

Living independently can be incredibly rewarding, but everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry can become challenging as we age. Fortunately, technological advancements offer a variety of tools and solutions that can make these tasks easier and more manageable.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Cooking: Difficulty reaching ingredients, bending to stir, or reading recipes.	Smart appliances: Voice-controlled cookers, ovens, and microwaves. Recipe display tablets: Large-screen tablets displaying recipes with voice control options.
Cleaning: Difficulty bending, kneeling, or reaching high areas.	Robotic vacuum cleaners: Automated floor cleaning. Lightweight cordless vacuums: Easier manoeuvring and cleaning.
Laundry: Difficulty lifting baskets, bending over, or reaching buttons.	Front-loading washing machines: Easier loading and unloading. Smart washers and dryers: Remote monitoring and control.
Home monitoring and security: Concerns about safety and security while alone.	Video doorbells: Monitor visitors and answer the door remotely. Smart home systems: Control lights, locks, and thermostats remotely, receive alerts in case of emergencies.

Common challenges with household tasks

Physical limitations: Difficulty reaching high shelves, bending over to clean floors, or lifting heavy laundry baskets can hinder completing daily tasks.
Limited mobility: Reduced mobility due to age or health conditions can make navigating around the kitchen or bathroom challenging.
Vision impairment: Difficulty reading labels, operating controls, or seeing clearly can pose a safety risk while performing household tasks.

Equipment and aids to help you complete your household tasks

In the kitchen

Smart appliances: Voice-controlled ovens, microwaves, and cookers allow you to operate them hands-free, simply by using your voice. This is particularly helpful if you have difficulty reaching controls or bending down.
Recipe display tablets: Large-screen tablets mounted on the kitchen counter can display recipes with voice control options, allowing you to follow instructions without needing to hold a book or bend over.
Electric can openers: Eliminate the need for manual hand strength to open cans and jars.

For cleaning

Robotic vacuum cleaners: These autonomous devices automatically clean your floors, saving you time and effort, especially if bending or kneeling is difficult.
Lightweight cordless vacuums: Cordless vacuums offer greater flexibility and manoeuvrability, making cleaning easier on your back and arms.
Steam mops: Steam mops effectively clean floors without harsh chemicals, making them ideal for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Laundry solutions

Front-loading washing machines: Front-loading machines eliminate the need to bend down repeatedly to load and unload laundry, making it easier on your back.
Smart washers and dryers: These appliances allow you to remotely monitor wash cycles and receive notifications when they are complete, eliminating the need to constantly check on them.
Laundry drying racks: Drying racks provide a space-saving and energy-efficient alternative to traditional dryers, particularly if bending to transfer clothes is difficult.

Enhancing security and peace of mind

Video doorbells: These devices allow you to see and speak to visitors at your door remotely through your smartphone or tablet, providing an extra layer of security and eliminating the need to open the door for unknown individuals.
Smart home systems: Smart home systems allow you to control various aspects of your home remotely, such as lights, thermostats, and even locks. This is not only convenient but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to check on your home remotely and adjust settings as needed.

Additional things to consider

Prioritise user-friendly features: When choosing technological solutions, look for devices with large, easy-to-read displays, simple controls, and voice-activated options if needed.
Seek assistance if needed: Don't hesitate to ask family members, friends, or tech-savvy individuals to help you set up and learn how to use new technology.
Explore local resources: Local libraries, community centres, and senior centres may offer workshops or classes on using technology in everyday life.

Where to buy equipment to help you complete your daily tasks

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.