Home Automation: A Boon for Independence and Cost Savings
Modern home automation technologies have advanced significantly in recent years, making homes much "smarter" than those even a decade ago. These technologies, which can control temperature, lighting, blinds, music, and even open and close doors, are widely available from major retailers like Bunnings and JB Hi-Fi. While these innovations are often marketed to the general public, Weave sees a significant opportunity for people with disabilities to enhance their independence through these tools.
Weave has previously submitted applications to the NDIS to fund such technologies, with mixed success. It seems that the NDIS may not fully recognize the independence and benefits these modern products offer compared to cheaper, older versions. Although smart home devices often come at a higher upfront cost than their non-connected counterparts, the long-term benefits and savings are what truly matter.
A recent study published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal by Hutchinson et al., titled "Calculating the social impact of home automation for people with disability: A social return on investment study," provides compelling evidence of these long-term benefits. This study is precisely the validation Weave has been seeking. It demonstrates that the initial higher costs of smart home technologies are offset by significant savings and improved independence over time.
The study assessed various home automation technologies, including lighting, door intercoms, automated doors, heating and cooling systems, blinds and curtains, fans, and media access. The researchers used these inputs to measure financial outputs and estimations to determine the Social Return on Investment (SROI). Essentially, the study sought to answer whether investing in smart home technology saves taxpayer money in the long run.
The researchers categorized the costs into three groups:
Low Cost: Heating/cooling, lights, blinds, television
Medium Cost: Heating/cooling, lights, blinds, television, automated sliding door, automated front door with intercom and access control
High Cost: Heating/cooling, lights, blinds, television, automated sliding door, automated front door with intercom and access control, body dryer, automatic shower, automatic taps
The findings were remarkable. Each category demonstrated significant long-term savings. For every $1 invested, category 1 saved $38.80, category 2 saved $18.34, and category 3 saved $15.10. This evidence strongly supports Weave’s position that smart home technology is a worthwhile investment.
Moreover, the study highlighted a subjective benefit: a participant reported a "reduced reliance on carers and family members," with an estimated reduction in required caregiver presence of 14 hours per week. This reduction translates to a potential NDIS savings of $945 weekly, or $49,140 annually—an enormous return on investment.
We extend our gratitude to the participants, authors, and team who conducted this valuable Australian research. Their work is a significant step forward in demonstrating the benefits of smart home technology for people with disabilities. For a full reference to their work, please see the citation below.
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Reference:
Hutchinson, C., Cleland, J., Williams, P. A. H., Manuel, K., & Laver, K. (2024, June 13). Calculating the social impact of home automation for people with disability: A social return on investment study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1440-1630.12977