In England and Wales , multi-generational households are the fastest growing household type , led by a range of socio-economic change . Alongside this development , has come the increasing popularity of smart home technology with many homeowners choosing devices that utilise automation to ensure the safety of their loved ones and belongings , whilst achieving maximum convenience .

Here , Richard Sehdeva , Design Team Manager at ERA , explains why keyless security solutions , such as ERA ’ s TouchKey , are a great option for security that suits the preferences of each member of the household .

THE RISE OF THE MULTI-GENERATION HOUSEHOLD

A report from Legal and General report found that 1.8 million UK households are now multi-generational . There are many reasons for this shift , with some young adults unable to get on the property ladders and an ageing population being faced with increased care costs , multi-generational households provide a way of sharing financial responsibilities between families .

Given this , it is important that home security options are able to suit the wide variety of needs one household may have , and this often means combining traditional hardware with the latest technology for a robust solution .

USER PREFERENCES

The younger generation , especially those born after the year 2000 , are digital natives and are generally confident in the use of technology . However , in contrast , the older generation are likely to feel less comfortable with new technologies .

Not only have they lived without smart technology for a large portion of their lives , but they may also experience cognitive decline in later years which could mean it is difficult for them to pick up the skills required to make use of innovative technology .

Of course , despite these differences , access to high performance home security is essential , regardless of technical ability . Therefore solutions , such as TouchKey , allow all age groups to use a smart , yet suitable method of entry and exit .

For example , when using TouchKey , younger household members can come and go using features such as geolocation , voice unlock command , and the Bluetooth connection via the ERA Home app . Whereas those less comfortable with those newer methods can use the simple biometric fingerprint scan on the lever of the handle or even the traditional key method .

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL

TouchKey is a smart security solution that also allows those with restricted mobility and motor skills to feel confident entering and exiting their home , without the need to handle keys and lift heavy handles .

As mentioned , the solution can simply scan the fingerprint of the person who requires access and grant it for a fuss-free entry , as long as their authenticated prints are stored on the system .

What ’ s more , the mechanical hardware locks automatically behind the entrant with no requirement to secure the door or lift a heavy handle . When it ’ s time to leave , the door opens with ease by twisting the ergonomically designed internal thumbturn .

LIFESTYLES PREFERENCES

Not only does TouchKey benefit those with accessibility problems , it is also useful for children with heavy school bags and kits , and parents with shopping , given that a simple scan of a finger or the use of geolocation and Bluetooth can grant access .

Solutions like TouchKey also come in handy for those who need one-time access to a residence . For example , for healthcare professionals , extended family , or service providers . A digital eKey is used to grant scheduled access , which expires outside of the agreed time and can be revoked at any time .

TOUCHKEY OPPORTUNITIES

ERA ’ s TouchKey offers a solution to the security challenges faced in a multi-generational household ; ensuring that all preferences and needs are considered .

This is achieved by combining the latest modern technology with the best in traditional hardware qualities , such as its anti-bump , anti-pick and anti-drill cylinder and its auto-fire multi-point door lock that fires six locking points upon closure .

Fabricators can capitalise on this combination , given its wide appeal . Not to mention its credentials , including its BSI Kitemark™ for Smart Residential Locking Devices . With this , homeowners are likely to be impressed with its wide offering , its high-quality and accreditations .

For further information on ERA ’ s diverse portfolio of security products , including its smart security offering TouchKey , visit www . eraeverywhere . com or contact the sales team at 01922 490 000 or email info @ eraeverywhere . com

CLEARVIEW-UK . COM SEPTEMBER 2024

Clearview Smart Hardware Guide - September 2024 | Page 9

Smart security considerations for multi-generational households