Clients encountered some problems when using the smart home technology: (a) motion sensors were too sensitive, as well as not compatible with fluoresced lights; therefore, a wide tape on one side of motion detector was used or moved to another wall, (b) a 5-in-1 remote control stopped working, even with changing the batteries; therefore, a key chain remote was utilized, (c) radio interference was found when the light timer was on; therefore, the code was changed, suspecting other X10 sources inside the home were interfering with the signal, (d) door chime went off in the case of a power outage and resetting chime solved the problem, and (e) if lights were turned off manually, the technology stops working. To resume the scheduled time, the lights should be turned on manually, and then turned off using the X10 program to make it work. Further, old houses and apartment have old phone lines and electricity lines that may interfere with the use of the technology. The solution was to use a filter, a simple plug called SignaLink (Signalink Technologies Inc. 2013), to block noise on the power line. Although OTs needed to intervene to solve each problem, the knowledge was transferred to clients and most of them learned how to manage the smart home technology .

The first step is to decide which smart home automatic features are suitable for a client. Then, load the ActiveHome into the computer and download necessary updates. The PC interface connects a computer via a universal serial bus (USB) cable and sends start and stop instructions to modules through the existing home’s wiring. Dials on the lighting and other modules are set using a screwdriver to have its own alphanumeric code, with a choice of 256 combinations. The schedules work, even when a PC is turned off. The PC can catch radio frequency commands from the universal and key chain remotes via the antenna. Online remote connection is now available, if necessary. After testing and checking the battery in the interface device, instruction on how to use smart home technology needs to be done, taking about 30 min. Finally, clients’ perception of the use of smart home technology was very positive. Of 50 clients, who participated in the intervention, 87.3 % of them found this technology very useful, and 67.6 % found overall operation of the technology easy. About 80 % of them said they recommend its use to elderly people (27 %) and anyone (53 %; Tomita et al. 2010).

Just before the scheduled exercise time, clients “call in” the chat room to join the session. The monitoring station accepts them as they join the chat room, and they appear on the monitoring screen. The technology is available free of charge, if clients have a dual-core computer and fast Internet connection. Participants are a closed group, and clients can view and talk to all people present on the screen. When the exercise begins, participants enlarge the exercise instructor window for easier viewing. While they are exercising, following the premade instruction video, OTs monitor their safety and correct movements. The exercise can include progressive strengthening and balance exercise, using a standard (18 in.) sturdy chair, TheraBand^® with increasing strength, and ankle weighs with increasing weight.