When it comes to managing arthritis at home, whether for you or a loved one, it is important to find modifications that increase accessibility but don’t feel infantilizing or condensing in nature. As we often hear from clients, “I don’t want my home to feel like a hospital.”
And rightfully so.
That’s why integrating smart technology such as the Google Nest is a great way to promote safety, ease common symptoms of arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis fatigue) and ultimately incorporate a product that looks and feels upscale. Below are the top five features of the Google Nest and a breakdown of how each feature can improve accessibility and comfort when managing arthritis at home.
Smart Doorbell
One of the key features of the Google Nest is their Nest Doorbell. This smart device is one of our top recommended products for those with arthritis because it can significantly reduce the need for one to always get up when the doorbell is rung. Each Nest Doorbell includes smart technology so that when the doorbell is rung it pushes a notification to the phone, making it easier to know when someone important is at the door and when it’s simply a package being dropped off.
This can be a helpful feature for anyone who experiences rheumatoid arthritis fatigue, knee arthritis and/or has difficulty sitting up or down. By being notified from your phone it can make it easier to decide if getting up is necessary.
Cameras
Another great feature that Google Nest provides is their smart cameras, a great solution to minimize muscle discomfort and pain. These cameras not only provide peace of mind for all areas of the home but can allow the user to create customizable alerts when the camera detects someone is near the home or at the door. This eliminates the need to quickly get up or move around if you suspect someone is at the house.
Automatic Thermostat
A common question many ask is, “does cold affect arthritis?”
This question often comes up when one begins to notice the impact temperature has on increasing muscle fatigue and pain. Simply put, the answer is yes, there is a correlation between arthritis and cold temperatures.
According to the Arthritis Foundation although cold temperatures do not cause arthritis it can “heighten pain sensitivity, slow blood circulation and cause muscle spasms.” Because of this, it’s important to make sure the home provides solutions for both arthritis and temperature control. To accomplish this, we recommend moving thermostats to accessible locations in the home, especially having at least one thermostat on the first floor.
Although it may seem simple, getting up to change the thermostat can actually pose a safety risk for those with arthritis. This is only heightened if one is already experiencing rheumatoid arthritis fatigue or struggles to reach out their arms from general muscle weakness.
Implementing an automatic thermostat, such as the one Google Nest offers, allows one to automate temperature changes throughout the day based on preference. This not only eases symptoms but makes it possible to control home temperature directly from a smartphone. This eliminates the need to overexert one’s energy or overextend the body towards a thermostat, especially if the thermostat is placed in an area that may pose a fall risk.
Seamless Door Lock
If you or a loved one has a home health aide or requires assistance during the night, it might be beneficial to implement Google Nest’s door lock feature. This feature allows one to lock doors throughout the home directly from a smartphone. This can be helpful to prevent wandering behaviors during the night that can pose a serious safety risk. In addition it allows users to unlock and lock doors directly from the phone making life easier for someone who experiences difficulty turning small handles or knobs - a common symptom of arthritis.
Smoke Detector/CO Alarm
Lastly we recommend installing Google Nest’s smoke detector/carbon monoxide alarm. A common safety risk we see in the home is a lack of working smoke detectors. To reduce the risk of an unwanted fire it’s crucial that the home always have working detectors throughout various rooms. By installing the Google Nest’s detector and carbon monoxide alarm you not only provide peace of mind but also have access to immediate alerts pushed directly to the phone in case of an emergency.
Finding Adaptive Equipment For Arthritis
Regardless of the severity of arthritis, there are many smart technology products available that not only improve overall safety at home but can significantly ease common symptoms that may get in the way of living life comfortably.
And whether it’s a Google Nest or another type of product we are always here to help families find the best solutions tailored to specific needs and wants. If you have additional questions about the Google Nest or other adaptive equipment for arthritis you can always reach out to our Client Care Team.
