A scoping review of integrated smart home technology supporting older adults and people with disabilities

Integrated smart home assistive products and their connected services are increasingly important for supporting the independence of older adults and people with disabilities. However, existing research does not clearly define what these integrated systems are, what needs they meet, or their actual outcomes. This research, therefore, sought to bring together and assess the current evidence regarding the features, uses, and effects of integrated smart home technology (SHT) systems developed for the support of aging populations and persons with disabilities. Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched, with a timeframe set between January 1, 2019, and June 1, 2025. This process initially located 1,250 articles. After applying the inclusion criteria, a final set of 32 studies focused on integrated SHT for aging and disability was selected for review. The reviewed systems often combined technologies such as ambient sensors, wearables, voice assistants, and IoT frameworks. These were often supported by artificial intelligence (AI) or robotics. The systems are mainly aimed at meeting several core needs: enabling functional independence, tracking activities of daily living (ADLs), and improving safety and security. Other goals included offering cognitive support and helping users maintain social connections. Across studies, benefits such as greater user autonomy, better safety, and improved quality of life were consistently reported. Significant challenges also emerged, including privacy concerns, usability and access issues, high costs, and questions about technical dependability. What this review provides is a detailed look at how integrated SHT is currently used, what it achieves, and the problems that continue to surface. For these systems to be more effective, a focus on user-centered design and dependable AI is clearly needed. Ethical use of this technology also depends heavily on strong privacy protections and clear operational transparency. Looking ahead, their usefulness could be improved by bringing together different kinds of data and allowing for more personalization. The trajectory for integrated SHT in this field seems to be moving toward systems that are more precisely tailored to the individual, built with deeper ethical thought, and are ultimately more effective in everyday situations. Smart home devices significantly improve daily autonomy and overall quality of life. Users still struggle with system reliability, expensive setups, and invasive monitoring. Developers must create personalized, affordable, and privacy-focused tech for real impact.