SELECTION
Selecting the devices that fit your needs
Tips and suggestions on how to go about selecting and purchasing the right smart devices
SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS
Conduct a needs assessment prior to purchase!
Assessing Your Smart Device Needs
The first step in the process is to systematically determine your short- and long-term needs, as well as those of other members of your household. Consider a room-by-room approach to identify the challenges that you and other members of your household may face. The following questions will help you think through those challenges:
- What challenges or limitations do you or members of your household anticipate experiencing in the next 2-5 years, 6-10 years, and beyond?
- What smart devices would help you meet those challenges and what specific functions and features would be most desirable? (Examples: reduction in indoor air pollutants, maintaining consistent temperature)?
- What would be the most ideal way to control those devices and what other devices might be needed to accomplish that task?
- What budget do you currently have for devices that will meet these challenges and what additional resources will be necessary and when?
![older woman using electric chair to go up the stairs older woman using electric chair to go up the stairs](https://smartselfreliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/assessing-your-smart-device-needs@3x-828x768.png)
![older-asian-couple-looking-at-computer older asian couple looking at computer](https://smartselfreliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/older-asian-couple-looking-at-computer-828x768.jpg)
Selecting and Purchasing Devices
Prior to the selection and purchase of smart devices, you should consider the following questions:
- Will the smart devices meet my needs and the needs of others in the household?
- Once installed, will the smart devices be easy to operate?
- What are the additional costs of home adaptations/modifications, if any, related to the devices?
- Will this smart device be compatible with other devices and control systems in the home?
- As my needs and the needs of the household change, will additional smart devices work with the main communication hub?
- Are product rebates available?
INSTALLATION
Need help installing your device? Click below to explore your options!