Smart Home Care was created to address an increasingly relevant social challenge: enabling elderly and vulnerable individuals to continue living safely, independently, and with dignity in their own homes, without compromising the quality of care. The project was developed through an in-depth research phase aimed at understanding the needs, habits, and expectations of autonomous yet vulnerable older adults, as well as those of their families and healthcare professionals.
Through interviews, field observations, and the analysis of existing care models, 21AM identified a recurring need: receiving continuous support without sacrificing independence. This insight led to the development of a system in which technology adapts to people, not the other way around. Smart Home Care approaches technology as an ethical and discreet tool, designed to reduce isolation and strengthen connections between users, caregivers, and local care networks.
Accessibility and inclusivity guided the entire design process. Rather than introducing a completely new technology, Smart Home Care integrates and enhances existing services and tools, strengthening the work of healthcare and social care professionals without replacing their essential human role. Research also highlighted the need for a flexible and scalable model capable of evolving alongside the user's changing needs.
The system is built around an Amazon Echo Show 8 device with Alexa integration, enabling simple and intuitive interaction through voice commands such as “Alexa, call an operator.” Users can connect with dedicated personnel, receive information about local initiatives, and access reminders for appointments and daily activities. The project also includes the integration of environmental sensors capable of detecting potentially critical situations and promptly alerting care operators. The result is a service ecosystem in which technology deliberately remains in the background, supporting a person-centered care model built around real human needs.