When my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's, I realised that our home needed to change.
Like many people, I initially thought home automation was about fancy gadgets and showing off the latest technology. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Today, our smart home isn't about technology it's about independence, dignity and making everyday life just that little bit easier.
As Parkinson's progresses, it's often the little things that become the biggest challenges. Every task that can be simplified leaves more energy for enjoying life.
The Robot Vacuums That Became Our Cleaner
One of the first additions was a robot vacuum. I got our first one in 2017! We've since upgraded to better ones and moved our old one upstairs.
Keeping the floors clean had become another job on an already endless list. Hair, dust and crumbs seem to appear constantly, especially when mobility becomes more difficult. Now the robots quietly cleans every day while we're getting on with life. It reaches under furniture, keeps the house looking presentable and removes one more physical task from my shoulders.
It's like having an extra pair of hands that never asks for a day off.
Cleaner Air and Less Dust
One of the best investments we've made has been installing an air purifier and a dehumidifier.
Good air quality is important for everyone, but when someone is living with Parkinson's, creating the healthiest home environment possible feels even more worthwhile. These devices help reduce airborne dust, pollen and other indoor pollutants, while the dehumidifier helps control excess moisture that can encourage mould growth.
An unexpected bonus has been how much less dust settles around the house. There's noticeably less dusting to do, which is another household chore that's become quicker and easier.
Every small improvement adds up, making our home cleaner, healthier and easier to manage.
A Smart Kettle That Helps Reduce the Risk of Scalds
Simple tasks can become dangerous when hands shake.
Lifting a heavy kettle full of boiling water isn't something many people think twice about until Parkinson's enters your life. Our smart kettle allows water to be boiled remotely and safely. Less lifting. Less risk. Less worry.Sometimes the greatest inventions aren't the most complicated;.
Alexa Has Become More Than a Voice Assistant
I never imagined how much company Alexa would provide.
She reminds us of appointments, answers questions, plays favourite music, reads the news, tells jokes and controls much of our home with simple voice commands.
When mobility isn't what it used to be, saying "Alexa, turn on the lights" instead of walking across the room can make a surprising difference.
Technology can't replace people but it can make daily life feel much less frustrating.
No More Lost Keys
One of my favourite additions has been our smart door lock.
No searching for keys.
No worrying whether the door has been locked.
No struggling with locks when hands don't always cooperate.
Everything can be controlled securely through an app or keypad, giving both of us extra peace of mind.
Next Stop: A Smart Pill Box
Anyone living with Parkinson's knows that medication isn't optional, it has to be taken on time, every time.
Like many families, we manage what feels like a small pharmacy every day.
Our next project is installing a smart pill dispenser that reminds us exactly when medication is due and records when it has been taken.
Anything that reduces stress and helps avoid missed medication is well worth considering.
Order your Pill Box Today Click Here
Technology Has Given Us More Than Convenience
People often ask whether smart home technology is worth it.
For us, the answer is simple.
- It's given us more independence.
- It's reduced physical effort.
- It's made our home safer.
- And it’s fun to watch all the machines at work!
It has taken away dozens of small daily frustrations that gradually build up when living with Parkinson's.
Most importantly, it has allowed us to spend less time worrying about chores and more time enjoying each other's company.
I know that not everyone will need every gadget we've chosen, but every family facing Parkinson's will have its own challenges. My hope is that by sharing our journey, others might discover a piece of technology that makes their own daily life just a little easier.
And we will keep discovering new products to help us make our life easier and more interesting!
