28 October 2019
Residents are able to use voice commands to open their blinds and start their kettle, along with enjoy hi-tech monitoring for falls, in a revolutionary new Sydney-based ‘smart’ retirement village apartment.
Property developer Stockland is targeting tech-savvy seniors at its Cardinal Freeman, The Residences project at Ashfield in Sydney’s inner west.
The futuristic smart home offers residents a fully voice activated space and has been designed to help them live independently for much longer.
Residents have the option to play music, operate lights, blinds, appliances and much more, all with simple voice commands via a Google Hub.
For instance, a command such as ‘good morning’ has the potential to start a sequence of pre-programmed events, such as opening the blinds, starting the kettle and receiving a weather update – all before even getting out of bed.
To allow for additional safety and support functions, the smart home has been fitted out with sensors.
If a resident falls in their bathroom, for instance, the sensors can be programmed to alert emergency services or a family member if the door is not opened after a certain period of time.
Similarly, the sensors can be used to monitor medication cabinets and can send notifications to remind residents to access it.
Residents also have the potential to save 10 to 15 per cent on their energy bills with the smart home through a self-regulating temperature control system.
Calum Ross, Regional Development Manager at Stockland, said that Australian seniors are considered to be some of the most tech-savvy seniors in the world.
“Most importantly, the smart apartment has been designed for our residents to ‘age in place’, meaning that people can live in their home and be independent for much longer,” he said
“One of the most common motives for moving into a Stockland retirement village is to maintain autonomy and reduce reliance on family and friends.
“The smart home allows just that – for residents to take a more active role in managing their homes and daily routines.
“We know that 80 per cent of Stockland residents are less likely to call an ambulance or visit the emergency department; require 96 per cent fewer mental health consultations; and stay out of aged care for five years longer than the national average*.
“These findings indicate that we are on the right track by offering the tech-savvy apartment to help generate a better quality of life for our residents.”
The residents who move in will be offered training sessions in the technology, 24-hour technical support and peace of mind knowing that their new home will be programmed to their exact specifications.
The smart apartment is currently available for purchase at $1,400,000 with a range of other stunning apartments selling from $930,000.
See all of Stockland's retirement living homes on Downsizing.com.au here
