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“While we provide a wireless pill minder, we also Additionally, Johnson said, “In some jurisdictions,
monitor the cabinet where medicines are kept with hospital-grade equipment is used in the patient’s
a small, hard-wired door sensor. We monitor for falls bedroom. A very secure network is required, in many
and slips with an RFID bracelet and accelerometer, cases separate from the house’s internet connection,
which has multiple hard-wire readers placed around to allow transfer of data between the patient portal
the house,” Johnson said. and the attending medical staff.”
“In all of our projects, we start with developing a Safety and Simplicity
lighting plan around the family’s lifestyle,” Johnson As with an audio/video installation, a properly
notes. “As we age, our eyesight begins to reduce, ventilated equipment rack tucked away in its own
thus the need for more lighting. LED fixtures and lockable closet is often a must.
replacement lamps with the proper Other considerations: Dedicated
color hue and lumens are important, wiring space in bathrooms (away
as is how we control them. We work from water and plumbing), light
to get the most natural lighting “ We see switches placed lower on the walls,
possible by using blinds and shades.” and receptacle outlets in higher-

PART 2: KEEP IT SIMPLE increased than-usual locations to make
The cost of caring for an aging interest in everything easily accessible for a user
relative can be daunting. As Ric remodeling with limited mobility.
Johnson, CAPS, of Ohio’s Right at “Because we require pressure
Home Technologies notes, “Our one’s home sensors on the floor and RFID readers
experience shows that nursing care to age embedded in wall locations near the
runs around $7,250 per month for full baseboard, additional shielding is
service. That includes three meals, comfortably… necessary to protect the wiring from
snacks, onsite nursing. Alzheimer’s trim nails and the like,” Johnson said.
nursing care can start at $9,300 or more –Ric Johnson Technology integrators know the
per month at a specialized facility.” Owner proper cabling techniques to ensure
Renovating an existing home or Right at Home that signal interference is eliminated.
adding a room or suite of rooms to Technologies But how does one overcome
a home for an aging relative has “technology phobia” — how does an
benefits beyond monthly savings, integrator make these systems easy
Johnson said. “Providing upgrades to use for both the aging individual
so that an Alzheimer’s patient can stay in a familiar and their loved ones?
location — and around family members — not only “First, most of the equipment we provide is
reduces overall cost, but also slows the progression hidden and works without additional touch, much
slightly, allowing for a better quality of life.” like a security system — but in our case, without the

Johnson’s bona fides include the NAHB Certified arming and disarming functions,” Johnson said.
Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) professional “Our equipment reports activity or lack thereof.
designation. “CAPS provides builders, designers, Lighting comes on and off automatically, following
technologists, nurses and others the necessary the natural progression of the day with additional
background to provide for this growing market,” sensors that keep lights on during times of darkness
he said. due to storms or clouds, by using photocells to

Anyone who carries this designation into a new override programing at those times.
home or remodeling project will have a handle on “Yes, we have touchscreens and keypads, but
the details: As Johnson noted, the builder needs to they are normally used by caregivers for particular
coordinate closely with the electrical contractor and reasons. Most of the ’technology’ is already familiar
technologist, because additional dedicated 20 amp to the user, such as messaging or emailing alerts,
circuits are needed for sensors and other devices. warning lights, and so on.”
NAHB JUNE 2018

AUGUST 2018 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 17