Both SmartGuardian Mini and SmartGuardian are advanced AI-powered home safety systems from Smart-Space Technologies, dedicated to empowering seniors to live independently while providing peace of mind for their families.
Key Similarities:
No Wearables: Crucially, neither system requires the senior to wear any devices, offering complete freedom and comfort.
AI-Powered Core: Both leverage cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence for intelligent monitoring and responsive alerts.
Voice-Activated Alerts: In both systems, a simple spoken command like "help" from anywhere in the home triggers an immediate alert to family members.
Discreet Sensors: They both utilize subtle, non-intrusive rectangular sensors placed strategically in each room, blending seamlessly into the environment with no visible wires.
Two-Way Communication: Upon an alert, both systems enable immediate two-way communication directly from within the room of the potential emergency, allowing for direct conversation and quick assessment.
Intelligent Emergency Filtering: Both can help families remotely filter true emergencies from non-emergencies, reducing unnecessary worry and interventions.
Abnormal Behaviour Alerts: Both are capable of detecting and alerting family members to changes in routine or abnormal behaviour (e.g., if a senior doesn't come downstairs in the morning or upstairs in the evening).
Flexible Terms: Both systems are offered with the flexibility of no minimum contract period.
Professional Service: Both include professional installation, device powering, setup, ongoing support, and even system removal when no longer required.
Key Differences:
While sharing a strong foundation, SmartGuardian and SmartGuardian Mini cater to slightly different needs and offer varying levels of comprehensive protection:
SmartGuardian Mini is designed as an entry-level solution and a stepping stone to the full system. It focuses on core, essential safety features activated primarily by voice command and basic routine monitoring.
SmartGuardian, on the other hand, is our award-winning, comprehensive system. It offers unrivalled AI-powered fall detection accuracy, a feature not present in the Mini.
Privacy implementation differs: While both are discreet, SmartGuardian employs True Stick-Model Privacy. This means it never records identifiable images, instead interpreting movement as non-invasive stick figures to maintain absolute visual privacy. SmartGuardian Mini also ensures privacy through its discreet sensor technology, but SmartGuardian's stick-model is a distinct privacy advancement.
Interaction methods vary: SmartGuardian includes an additional, intuitive "Raise to Call" feature, allowing a senior to simply raise a hand to summon assistance, alongside voice commands. This feature is exclusive to the full SmartGuardian system.
Monitoring depth is more advanced with SmartGuardian. It provides proactive well-being insights with deeper analytics and more granular reporting on daily routines, extending beyond the basic abnormal behaviour alerts of the Mini.
The full SmartGuardian system offers a more sophisticated and comprehensive suite of features, reflecting its premium position as the ultimate solution for maximum peace of mind.
Pricing reflects the scope of service: SmartGuardian Mini is more accessible with a typical 5-zone installation costing €599 and a €39 monthly fee for rental and support, versus €1,499 and €119 for the full SmartGuardian system. The wiring infrastructure installed for SmartGuardian Mini is reusable if a user decides to upgrade to the full SmartGuardian, offering a discount of €400 in a typical 5-zone installation.
Both SmartGuardian Mini and SmartGuardian systems are designed for seniors who wish to maintain their independence and continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes, and for their families who seek peace of mind regarding their loved ones' well-being.
Here's a more specific breakdown of who each system is ideal for:
SmartGuardian Mini is for:
Seniors seeking an initial, discreet safety solution that doesn't require wearing any devices.
Families looking for an accessible and affordable entry point into intelligent home safety technology.
Those who primarily need voice-activated alerts ("help") and basic abnormal behaviour detection to spot significant routine changes.
Individuals or families who are considering a future upgrade to a more comprehensive system, as SmartGuardian Mini's infrastructure is reusable.
Seniors who value simplicity and core safety features without overwhelming complexity.
SmartGuardian (the full system) is for:
Seniors requiring the most comprehensive and advanced fall detection capabilities, with industry-leading accuracy.
Families prioritising the highest level of proactive safety, detailed insights, and continuous 24/7 monitoring.
Those with strong privacy concerns who appreciate the "True Stick-Model Privacy" that ensures no identifiable images are recorded.
Seniors who might benefit from multiple ways to call for help, including voice activation and the "Raise to Call" gesture.
Families who want deeper well-being insights beyond basic abnormal behaviour alerts.
Individuals looking for the most complete and technologically advanced AI-powered home safety solution available.
In summary, both systems are for seniors and their families concerned about independence, safety, falls, and isolation. SmartGuardian Mini offers a foundational, accessible solution, while the full SmartGuardian system provides an unparalleled, comprehensive, and advanced layer of protection.
Why Choose SmartGuardian Mini?
SmartGuardian Mini is an excellent choice if you're looking for:
An Accessible Entry Point: It provides core, essential AI-powered safety features at a more accessible initial investment (€599 installation + €29/month).
A Flexible Stepping Stone: Its infrastructure is designed to be reusable, allowing for a discounted upgrade to the full SmartGuardian system if your needs evolve in the future.
Core Voice-Activated Safety: Your primary focus is on reliable, discreet voice-activated alerts and basic routine monitoring.
Why Choose SmartGuardian (The Full System)?
Opt for the full SmartGuardian system if you need:
Comprehensive, Award-Winning Protection: It offers the ultimate in AI-powered home safety.
Unrivalled Fall Detection: Its advanced AI provides exceptional accuracy in detecting falls, a critical concern for many families.
Superior Privacy (True Stick-Model): It interprets movement as non-invasive stick figures, ensuring maximum visual privacy without any identifiable images being recorded.
Enhanced Interaction Options: It includes the unique "Raise to Call" feature, allowing seniors to summon help with a simple hand gesture in addition to voice commands.
Deeper Well-being Insights: It provides more granular activity monitoring and proactive insights into your loved one's routines.
Ultimately, both SmartGuardian Mini and SmartGuardian are designed to enhance safety, independence, and peace of mind. Your choice will depend on your specific needs, desired level of features, and budget, with SmartGuardian Mini offering a flexible starting point and SmartGuardian providing the most comprehensive protection available.
No, a SmartGuardian system is not a replacement for in-home care services.
Instead, SmartGuardian (and SmartGuardian Mini) should be viewed as a powerful complement to, or an enhancement of, in-home care services. They serve different, but often mutually beneficial, purposes:
What SmartGuardian Provides:
Remote Monitoring & Alerts: It provides constant, discreet, AI-powered oversight of a senior's safety, detecting falls (full SmartGuardian), responding to voice commands, and flagging abnormal behaviour patterns.
Immediate Communication: It allows for two-way communication with the senior in the event of an alert.
Peace of Mind: It offers reassurance to families that their loved one is safe at home, especially when they cannot be physically present.
Reduced Need for Constant Physical Presence: It can help delay or reduce the intensity of in-person care needed by providing a technological safety net
How a SmartGuardian systems works with homecare:
A SmartGuardian system can significantly augment in-home care by:
Providing a safety net between caregiver visits.
Alerting caregivers or family members to situations that require immediate attention.
Helping caregivers prioritise their time more effectively by flagging areas of concern.
Allowing seniors to remain independent in their homes for longer, potentially reducing the overall need for extensive, round-the-clock human care or delaying the transition to residential care.
In summary, SmartGuardian is a valuable technology solution for safety and monitoring, whereas in-home care provides direct human assistance and companionship. They are best utilised as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Absolutely! SmartGuardian works perfectly alongside a part-time caregiver to provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here's how they complement each other:
SmartGuardian acts as a watchful eye when your caregiver isn't present. It can detect falls or unusual activity and send alerts, allowing you to intervene quickly if needed.
Both you and your loved one can feel a sense of security knowing there's backup support. SmartGuardian provides an extra layer of protection for times when the caregiver is not present.
With SmartGuardian in place, your loved one may feel more comfortable spending time alone, knowing they have additional support if needed. This can contribute to their overall independence.
SmartGuardian can potentially ease some of the caregiver's workload by automatically detecting potential issues, allowing them to focus on direct care and companionship.
Think of it this way: Your part-time caregiver provides fantastic support, and SmartGuardian acts as a reliable "second pair of eyes" that's always on, offering an additional layer of safety and peace of mind for everyone involved.
Yes, SmartGuardian (and SmartGuardian Mini) can certainly be used in homes where more than one person lives.
The systems are designed to provide safety and peace of mind within the living space itself. Here's how it generally works:
Voice-Activated "Help": Anyone in the home who says "help" can trigger an alert, which is beneficial for any occupant in distress.
Fall Detection (SmartGuardian only): The system detects fall events regardless of who falls.
Privacy: The stick-model privacy (for SmartGuardian) ensures that no identifiable images are recorded, protecting the privacy of all residents.
Two-Way Communication: This feature allows communication with anyone in the room where the alert originated.
Considerations for Multiple Occupants:
While the core safety features like fall detection and voice alerts work for anyone, the "abnormal behaviour alerts" are typically programmed around the routine of one primary individual (e.g., the senior you are monitoring). However, the system can be setup to monitor multiple people in the household using facial recognition to provide independent monitoring.
It's best to discuss this specific scenario during your free consultation with Smart-Space. They can advise on optimal sensor placement and system configuration to best suit a multi-person household, ensuring accurate monitoring for the intended individual while respecting the privacy and routines of everyone living there.
Yes, you absolutely can use a SmartGuardian system in conjunction with your existing personal alarm. In fact, for many families, having both can create an even more robust and comprehensive safety net for their loved one.
Here's why they can work well together:
Complementary Safety: Your personal alarm provides a direct, button-press method of calling for help. SmartGuardian, on the other hand, adds layers of proactive and hands-free protection. It can detect falls automatically (with the full SmartGuardian system), respond to verbal commands like "help," and even flag abnormal behavior, all without your loved one needing to remember or be able to press a button.
Enhanced Peace of Mind: SmartGuardian's features like two-way in-room communication and intelligent filtering can provide immediate clarity on the situation, which a basic personal alarm might not offer. You can speak directly to your loved one and quickly determine the nature of the alert.
Addressing Limitations: SmartGuardian overcomes key limitations of traditional alarms, such as the risk of the alarm not being worn, forgotten, or out of reach during an emergency. It's always on and active throughout the home.
While there might be some overlap in their primary goal of alerting in an emergency, SmartGuardian brings significant added value through its AI-driven, non-wearable, and proactive monitoring capabilities, effectively strengthening the safety system already in place.
A SmartGuardian system can be particularly suitable and beneficial for individuals living with dementia, primarily because it addresses several key challenges associated with the condition while promoting continued independence.
Here's why:
No Wearables: This is a major advantage for dementia patients. They often forget to wear devices, may find them uncomfortable, or could even remove them due to confusion. SmartGuardian's discreet, non-wearable nature ensures continuous monitoring without reliance on the patient's compliance.
Automatic & Hands-Free Safety:
: Even as cognitive abilities fluctuate, the simple, intuitive act of saying "help" is often retained, making it an accessible way to summon assistance.Automatic Fall Detection (with SmartGuardian): Dementia can increase the risk of falls. The full SmartGuardian system's ability to detect falls automatically, without requiring a button press, is crucial.
Proactive Routine Monitoring (Abnormal Behavior Alerts): Both systems can learn daily routines and alert family members to significant deviations. This is invaluable for dementia patients, as it can flag:
Discreet and Non-Intrusive: The sensors blend into the home environment, reducing the likelihood of causing confusion, distress, or resistance often associated with more visible or complex monitoring equipment. The stick-model privacy (for SmartGuardian) also ensures dignity and privacy.
Immediate Two-Way Communication: In a situation where the patient might be disoriented or unable to reach a phone, the ability to communicate directly into the room from a remote location provides immediate reassurance and allows caregivers to assess the situation quickly.
Reduced Caregiver Burden & Stress: By providing constant, intelligent monitoring and timely alerts, the system offers immense peace of mind to family members, reducing the need for constant physical presence and alleviating anxiety.
Important Considerations:
While highly beneficial, it's important to understand:
Cognitive Fluctuation: The effectiveness of spoken commands might vary depending on the individual's cognitive state at any given moment.
Wandering (Outside Home): While the system can detect unusual activity within the home, it's not a GPS tracker. If a patient wanders outside, it would primarily alert based on them leaving or not returning from a known routine, rather than tracking their precise outdoor location.
Overall, SmartGuardian systems offer a powerful tool for supporting individuals with dementia to live safely and independently in their own homes for longer, providing a crucial layer of care and reassurance for their families. A consultation with Smart-Space can help determine the best system and configuration for the specific needs of the individual.
