Bedroom and Living Room | Supporting Occupatio

Bed

Adjustable piece furniture with built-in electronic motors that can change the height or position.

Automated beds may be controlled via:

Voice command: The system may be integrated with a hub (I.e. Siri, Google, Alexa)
Remote controlled via interface
Wall-mounted switches
a part of a larger system command word i.e. “Goodnight” where multiple automated components can change the environment (such as lighting and temperature)
- Systems may be linked with existing assistive technology such as eye gaze and/or sip and puff depending on the users’ needs (check with an integrator about the viability if this is appropriate for the service user.

Hutchinson, C., Cleland, J., Williams, P. A. H., Manuel, K., & Laver, K. (2024). Calculating the social impact of home automation for people with disability: A social return on investment study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 71(6), 956-966. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12977
Varriale, L., Briganti, P., & Mele, S. (2020). Disability and home automation: Insights and challenges within organizational settings. In A. Lazazzara, F. Ricciardi, & S. Za (Eds.), Exploring Digital Ecosystems (Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, Vol. 33, pp. 47–66). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23665-6_5

Closet

Adjustable closets are pieces of furniture with built-in electronic motors that can change the height or position.

The system is connected to motors and may be controlled via:

Voice command: The system may be integrated with a hub (I.e. Siri, Google, Alexa)
Remote controlled via interface
a part of a larger system command word i.e. “Get dressed” Where multiple automated components can change environment (such as lighting and temperature).
- Systems may be linked with existing assistive technology such as eye gaze and/or sip and puff depending on the users’ needs (check with an integrator about the viability if this is appropriate for the service user.

Independence: accessible environments utilising home automation reduces the reliance of carer support and increases the autonomy for the service user (Hutchinson et al., 2024).

Accessibility: Automated systems promote an accessible environment that positively support the service user (Varriale et al., 2020).

Fatigue management: Adjustable closets/shelves can support energy conservation due to minimising physical exertion and increase fatigue management (Moroz et al., 2017).

Hutchinson, C., Cleland, J., Williams, P. A. H., Manuel, K., & Laver, K. (2024). Calculating the social impact of home automation for people with disability: A social return on investment study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 71(6), 956-966. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12977
Moroz, A., Flanagan, S. R., & Zaretsky, H. H. (Eds.). (2017). (Fifth edition.). Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Varriale, L., Briganti, P., & Mele, S. (2020). Disability and home automation: Insights and challenges within organizational settings. In A. Lazazzara, F. Ricciardi, & S. Za (Eds.), Exploring Digital Ecosystems (Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, Vol. 33, pp. 47–66). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23665-6_5

Doors

Automated doors and locks allow for keyless entry and remote control of doors (open/close).

A motorised lock or door opener is connected to a hub. It may be controlled by:

Voice command: The system may be integrated with a hub (I.e. Siri, Google, Alexa)
Remote controlled via interface
Wall-mounted switches
Motion/proximity sensors
- Systems may be linked with existing assistive technology such as eye gaze and/or sip and puff depending on the users’ needs (check with an integrator about the viability if this is appropriate for the service user.

Independence and accessibility: A person using a wheelchair or with limited arm function can enter their home without struggling with keys or a doorknob using a hands-free operating system. Additionally, automated doors can provide improve accessibility and reduce need for carer assistance (Ding et al., 2021; Mun & Kim, 2024; Varriale et al., 2020).

Peace of Mind: Automatic smart locks provide reassurance that doors are securely locked, particularly for individuals with memory impairments, and allow users to grant access to visitors remotely, enhancing safety and independence (Ding et al., 2021).

Ding, D., Morris, L., Messina, K., & Fairman, A. (2021). Providing mainstream smart home technology as assistive technology for persons with disabilities: A qualitative study with professionals. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 18(7), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2021.1998673
Mun, K., & Kim, J. (2024). Development of a smart home modification program: A delphi survey of multidisciplinary health care experts. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(5). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050651
Varriale, L., Briganti, P., & Mele, S. (2020). Disability and home automation: Insights and challenges within organizational settings. In A. Lazazzara, F. Ricciardi, & S. Za (Eds.), Exploring Digital Ecosystems (Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, Vol. 33, pp. 47–66). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23665-6_5

Television

A smart TV or a connected device (like a smart remote or media player) that allows for voice-activated or remote control of television functions.

A smart TV or a connected device (like a smart remote or media player) that allows for voice-activated or remote control of television functions.

Voice command: The system may be integrated with a hub (I.e. Siri, Google, Alexa)
Remote controlled via interface
Remote controlled via an interface
- Systems may be linked with existing assistive technology such as eye gaze and/or sip and puff depending on the users’ needs (check with an integrator about the viability if this is appropriate for the service user.

Autonomy: A person with limited hand dexterity can operate the TV without needing to manipulate a small, complex remote increasing independent control and decreasing reliance on others (Hooper et al., 2018).

Engagement: Enhances a person's ability to independently access entertainment and information, improving social and cognitive engagement (Ding et al., 2021).

Independence: accessible environments utilising home automation reduces the reliance of carer support and increases the autonomy for the service user (Hutchinson et al., 2024).

Accessibility: Automated systems promote an accessible environment that positively support the service user (Varriale et al., 2020).

Ding, D., Morris, L., Messina, K., & Fairman, A. (2021). Providing mainstream smart home technology as assistive technology for persons with disabilities: A qualitative study with professionals. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 18(7), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2021.1998673
Hooper, B., Verdonck, M., Amsters, D., Myburg, M., & Allan, E. (2017). Smart-device environmental control systems: Experiences of people with cervical spinal cord injuries. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 13(8), 724–730. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2017.1369591
Hutchinson, C., Cleland, J., Williams, P. A. H., Manuel, K., & Laver, K. (2024). Calculating the social impact of home automation for people with disability: A social return on investment study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 71(6), 956-966. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12977
Varriale, L., Briganti, P., & Mele, S. (2020). Disability and home automation: Insights and challenges within organizational settings. In A. Lazazzara, F. Ricciardi, & S. Za (Eds.), Exploring Digital Ecosystems (Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, Vol. 33, pp. 47–66). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23665-6_5

Vacuum

In a traditional context vacuums are appliances that require control to operate. Home automation can automate this process to so the appliance can be operated and monitored remotely.

"Smart" vacuums can be connected via a wireless network to home automation systems. The vacuum can be mapped to a specific location within the house. It may be controlled via:

Voice command: The system may be integrated with a hub (I.e. Siri, Google, Alexa)
Remote controlled via an interface
a part of a larger system command word i.e. “House Cleaning”
A notification can be sent to the user when the cycle is finished
- Systems may be linked with existing assistive technology such as eye gaze and/or sip and puff depending on the users’ needs (check with an integrator about the viability if this is appropriate for the service user.

Fatigue management: Having automated appliances can help with energy conservation for service users, allowing room to expend their energy for other tasks (Moroz et al., 2017).

Independence: The use of this automated appliance can help with increasing self-sufficiency. It enables the service user to reduce the time needed for support with domestic tasks increasing their time to help the service user with more important care (Ding et al., 2021; Ding et al., 2025).

Household energy efficiency: Through smart scheduling and real-time energy management automated appliances can improve household energy efficiency (Fakhar et al., 2022).

Accessibility: Automated appliances promote an accessible environment that positively support the service user (Varriale et al., 2020).

Ding, D., Morris, L., Messina, K., & Fairman, A. (2021). Providing mainstream smart home technology as assistive technology for persons with disabilities: A qualitative study with professionals. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 18(7), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2021.1998673
Ding, D., Morris, L., Novario, G., Fairman, A., Roehrich, K., Foschi Walko, P., & Boateng, J. (2025). Mainstream smart home technology–based intervention to enhance functional independence in individuals with complex physical disabilities: Single-Group pre-post feasibility study. JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies, 12, e70855. https://doi.org/10.2196/70855
Fakhar, M. Z., Yalcin, E., & Bilge, A. (2022). A survey of smart home energy conservation techniques. Expert Systems with Applications, 213, 118–974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2022.118974
Moroz, A., Flanagan, S. R., & Zaretsky, H. H. (Eds.). (2017). (Fifth edition.). Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Varriale, L., Briganti, P., & Mele, S. (2020). Disability and home automation: Insights and challenges within organizational settings. In A. Lazazzara, F. Ricciardi, & S. Za (Eds.), Exploring Digital Ecosystems (Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, Vol. 33, pp. 47–66). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23665-6_5