Samsung is entering the digital caregiving space with its new SmartThings Family Care service, set to launch in the US on August 16th. This free offering aims to help caregivers remotely monitor and assist loved ones using smart home technology and AI.
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| This image represents how the SmartThings Family Care service can enhance the connectivity and assistance caregivers provide to their loved ones through smart technology |
Key Features of SmartThings Family Care
- Activity Monitoring: Uses AI to learn daily patterns and alert caregivers to abnormalities
- Medication and Appointment Management: Helps set reminders for medical tasks and doctor visits
- Smart Home Integration: Allows caregivers to manage connected devices in the care recipient's home
- Location Alerts: Notifies when the care recipient leaves or arrives at specified locations
How It Works
SmartThings Family Care leverages Samsung's existing smart home ecosystem, including:
- SmartThings platform
- Galaxy smartphones
- Samsung smart appliances (for certain features)
The service applies artificial intelligence to analyze data from these devices, providing insights and alerts to caregivers.
Potential Impact
Smart home technology has shown promise in helping older adults maintain independence, but previous attempts in this space have faced challenges. Samsung's free offering and AI integration could potentially address some of these issues, though the reliance on Samsung's ecosystem may limit accessibility.
Availability
SmartThings Family Care will be available through the SmartThings app starting August 16th. While the service is free, it does require a Galaxy smartphone and likely other Samsung devices for full functionality.
As the population ages, solutions like SmartThings Family Care may become increasingly important. However, the effectiveness and adoption of such services remain to be seen in real-world use.