Maximising participation through home automation

Karen Maurer, Managing Director, Capable Spaces

Home automation allows people with limited or progressively deteriorating movement to remain as independent and safe as possible in controlling their environments.

Occupational therapists can use electronic assistive technology to design home automation systems – like switches and alternative access methods – and then train clients in technological literacy. Keeping up-todate with the brands and products available to set up smart homes is critical to this role.

In activities like using a mobile phone, controlling air conditioners and fans, turning lights on and off, talking to visitors at the front door, and opening and shutting windows and blinds. Determining what is reasonable and necessary, compared with what is luxury and mainstream, can be challenging.

As an emerging field of occupational therapy, some strategies are offered to build skills in this role.

Focus on OT process: Human, activity and assistive technology

The Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model by Cook and Hussey provides a clear assessment framework (Cook et al., 2008; Giesbrecht, 2013). The occupational therapy assessment begins by assessing the human, their diagnosis and prognosis, occupational goals, level of function, ability to learn new technology and willingness to change.

As de la Guía et al. (2019, p.179) explains, “this process requires considering the human aspect, since the human is, in fact, the main subject of smart environments”.

Assessing assistive technology includes outlining devices to be controlled, age of appliances, brand preferences, model/serial numbers, and the client’s context including environmental and social supports. This is the foundation in designing a system to control appliances that the client will then learn to use.

Maximise use of technology

Practise optimising accessibility features in devices people already own before introducing new products (Deverell, 2020; Erickson, 2015), such as the following:

• Access devices hands-free; • Try different access methods i.e. switch controls, gestures, eye and head movements, voice control; and • Be familiar with accessibility across different platforms like Apple, Android, Windows.

Recognise the importance of training clients

Learning to use new technology can be intuitive for some, but for many it takes practice. Occupational therapists may set up training programs to develop skills to use technology efficiently (Jamwal et al., 2020). Setting clear expectations for training as part of the process reduces the risk of abandonment (Cruz et al., 2016).

Designing a whole system versus single appliances

Consider your client’s diagnosis and prognosis when designing home automation systems. Someone with a rapidly deteriorating condition may need rapid-install solutions that may focus on one appliance or function, like turning lights on and off.

Someone with a long-term injury – like a spinal cord injury – may require a more comprehensive and coordinated approach for environmental controls and automation.

Developing a system that integrates the control of appliances and access methods is imperative to determine an efficient and effective home automation system that will be used for years to come (MacLachlan and Scherer, 2018).

Build your support network

Build your network for home automation so you can recommend, install and set up home automation. Consider the system may need to work with any augmentative and alternative communication.

Develop your team of speech pathologists, home automation installers, specialist electricians, assistive technology suppliers, technology assessors, engineers, builders and so on.

Summary

Home automation is an exciting and everchanging area of occupational therapy. Occupational therapists use home automation to maximise people’s independence in their homes to manage functional limitations from a disability or health condition. Quality of life often improves when people have greater control over their environment (Desmond et al., 2017). Occupational therapists are wellsuited to this role due to their expertise in assessing function and overcoming these with assistive technology solutions, and working collaboratively with extensive networks to help clients achieve their goals and aspirations.

About the author Karen Maurer is the founder of Capable Spaces, a community occupational therapy service in Newcastle, NSW, supporting people with progressive neurological conditions and spinal cord injuries to access assistive technology and home modifications. Capable Spaces offers practical solutions to maximise independence in everyday life, and online training for community occupational therapists.