ParaQuad News

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ParaQuad News • Issue 1 Autumn 2016 9
healthspot
Home security is a concern for many people with a
disability. Many people use automatic door openers
without video surveillance or wall mounted key lock
boxes and are unable to see who is at their front door
before they open.
One solution is wireless home intercom systems which
can be accessed and operated via a smart phone with
video linkage via Wi-Fi router. The image of who is at the
front door can be sent to your smart phone or other web
enabled device. From that same device you can choose
if you want to allow access with the touch of a screen or
by activating a switch.
Opening a door can be achieved via switches, web
enabled devices, proximity cards or fobs, biometric
scans or a code. These methods can either unlock or
physically open the door. Some systems enable you to
give access passes to other people, such as Personal
Care Assistants (PCAs). Each admission can be time
stamped for that particular access card/fob, which
can be a helpful way to monitor care shifts and export
time details to accounting software. With the advent of
the NDIS and Self Managed Care this could improve
the efficiency of administrative tasks associated with
managing your own PCAs.
Some systems also offer different levels of security at
different times, e.g. a certain card/fob/code can gain
access at midday, but can be locked out at midnight.
An Environment Control Unit (ECU) is a device or system that
allows a person to operate appliances or connect to a home
automation system within their home. An ECU device can use
infrared signal, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a combination of all three.
Simple things such as the ability to turn on the lights and
answer the front door can make an enormous difference
to a person’s independence and safety at home.
Housemate Pro
GEWA: IR signal only
Thinking Home
Automation?
For more information
Step 1: Establish what you would
like to control around your home.
Step 2: Organise a consultation with your
Occupational Therapist or Technician.
Spotlight on Security Access
What is an Environmental
Control Unit?
Professional Automation
1300 459 525
Independent Living Centre Ability Technology
Options available:
• Housemate Pro: Uses
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IR
signal
• Housemate Lite: IR
signal only
• GEWA: IR signal only
• Tash Mini Relax IR
signal only
• Logitech Harmony
• Possum Primo
• Keo : IR & Bluetooth
• HouseMate Pro
Forms of connectivity:
• Ultra high frequency
(UHF)
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Infra-Red
• GEWA
Technical Solutions Australia