Automation opens the door to possibilities

Situation

Our customer Tatiana has Rheumatoid Arthritis and approached us for a solution for seeing and controlling her front screen door and opening her garage roller door without the need for physical exertion.

Although Tatiana was currently controlling the doors using remote fobs, she was having trouble pressing the small buttons.

Solution

Our go-to first step was to undertake research to find reliable and stable products that met her needs. For Tatiana’s front door, this research led us to install the DoorBird product – the only video doorbell on the retail market that enables access via app control. When a visitor presses the video doorbell, Tatiana uses her stylus pen with her mobile phone to open the doorbird app. Using the app, she can open the door via a press of a button – no matter where she is in her house.

The DoorBird solution was enhanced through the installation of a video indoor station, which once pressed acts as an intercom and chime. This means Tatiana can interact with visitors via the screen, and she can allow them to open the door by electronically releasing the door.

We also automated Tatiana’s garage roller door, giving her the ability to open and close the roller door remotely via app control – even when not at home. Fortuitously, we were able to test this functionality when we returned to finish the installation and Tatiana was not at home. Tatiana confidently let the Stretchy Tech technicians into her home, which not only built her confidence in the solution, but reassured us that Tatiana was comfortable in operating the new technology.

Outcome

Happy and confident with the technology, Tatiana was amazed and excited to “see” her front door and surrounds via video. Tatiana can now let in family, friends, and support staff without needing to physically go to the front of the house. The DoorBird solution also doubles as a security measure, allowing Tatiana to see the front of her house at any time.

The new garage roller door automation means that Tatiana can now open her garage for side access and parking, with just the touch of a button.

Going Above and Beyond

When we were at Tatiana’s home, we noted that her broadband router was in her son’s bedroom. We recommended that the router be moved to the linen cabinet (which was at the centre of the house) to enable the best performance of the wireless internet.

We also observed “cable clutter” within the cabinet, left behind by previous contractors. From experience, we knew that cable clutter led to customers not understanding internet problems, as they simply didn’t know where to start or fix internet equipment. We tidied up the cabling, making it easier for Tatiana to understand her new technology.

Summary pointers for OTs, technicians, and the intended user (person with disability)

1. The technology described above has worked well for Tatiana, so we think it’s worth consideration by OTs, technicians, and persons with disability, in similar situations.
2. In this instance we chose to install a hardwired doorbell rather than a battery operated one. There are pros and cons to both options and it is important to consider which one is best suited to the individual situation. 
   1. The pros to a hardwired option is it does not need to be charged every couple of months. The DoorBird is also one of the only doorbells that integrates with the electric strike, allowing the user to see who is there and unlock the door using the same app. 
   2. The cons to a hardwired doorbell is that it is costly to install and difficult for the user to take with them if they move homes.