Samsung SmartThings Family Care: A New Era of Remote Caregiving

Samsung Launches SmartThings Family Care: A New Era for Caregivers

In a significant move to support caregivers, Samsung has introduced SmartThings Family Care, a free service that aims to facilitate remote monitoring and assistance for loved ones using smart home devices. Launched in Korea in June, this innovative service is set to roll out in the United States on August 16th via the SmartThings app.

What is SmartThings Family Care?

SmartThings Family Care merges Samsung’s acclaimed SmartThings smart home platform with Galaxy smartphones, enabling caregivers to stay closely connected to their family members. This service is reminiscent of Amazon’s now-discontinued paid offering, Alexa Together, and adopts a similar approach to monitoring loved ones.

How Does It Work?

The Family Care service utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to analyze patterns of daily activity. By monitoring smart devices in the user’s home, it sends alerts to caregivers about any irregularities in routine. For instance, it can notify caregivers if their loved one has interacted with their Galaxy phone in the morning or if no activity has been detected.

Features and Capabilities

• Health Monitoring: Caregivers can set reminders for important health check-ups such as blood pressure monitoring and medication schedules.
• Smart Home Management: The service allows caregivers to manage and set routines within a family member’s home, ensuring a safer environment.
• Appointment Scheduling: Users can schedule doctor’s appointments directly through their Galaxy smartphone or Samsung TV (models from 2024 and onwards).
• Location Alerts: Caregivers receive notifications when their family member leaves or arrives at specified locations, providing peace of mind.
• Automated Assistance: Samsung allows caregivers to create automations, such as powering on an air purifier when outdoor air quality declines or turning off a stove left unattended.

Samsung’s Vision for Smart Home Technology

The potential of smart home technology to enhance the quality of life for the elderly is undeniable, promoting aging in place and allowing for a digital connection between caregivers and their loved ones. Despite this promise, there have been challenges with existing technologies including compatibility issues, setup complexities, and inconsistent performance.

Comparing SmartThings Family Care

Unlike previous paid services like Best Buy's Assured Living and Amazon's Alexa Together, Samsung’s Family Care service is offered for free. However, a Galaxy smartphone and Samsung appliances, as well as potentially a SmartThings hub, are required, which could limit accessibility for some users.

Future Outlook

Samsung’s incorporation of AI technology is expected to improve the reliability and usability of the service, yet the specific details of AI integration remain unclear. Starting on August 16th, users can find and download Family Care from the Life tab of the SmartThings app. The launch marks a notable advancement in smart home solutions tailored for caregivers and their loved ones.

Conclusion

SmartThings Family Care represents a bold step forward in providing caregivers with intuitive tools for remote monitoring. By leveraging smart home technology, Samsung seeks to create a more connected world for families, ensuring that the elderly can live independently with the support of their loved ones.