Lloyd is 84 years old, fiercely independent, and proud of it. A retired shearer with a sharp mind and a deep love for routine, he’s lived in the same modest brick home for over 40 years. He still cooks his own meals, tends to his five acres, and doesn’t ask for help unless it’s truly necessary.
But over the past year, something had started to change.
“I began noticing little things at first,” says his daughter, Jenny. “Dad would repeat himself more often, misplace his glasses, forget why he walked into a room.”
She brushed it off for a while — until the day she walked into his house and smelled something burning.
“I ran into the kitchen and found a pot scorched dry on the stove,” she recalls. “He’d completely forgotten he was boiling vegetables. That was the moment I realised: It’s not just forgetfulness anymore. It’s dangerous.”
As a full-time working mum, Jenny couldn’t be there around the clock. But, the thought of something happening while her dad was home alone kept her up at night.
“I didn’t want to take away his independence. That would’ve crushed him,” she says. “But I needed to know he was safe.”
The Turning Point
While researching solutions online late one night, Jenny came across something new: Smarturns — intelligent stove knobs designed for older adults living independently.
“I read the description and just thought, This is it. This is exactly what we need.”
Developed to help prevent kitchen accidents, Smarturns is a smart safety system that replaces regular stove knobs. The knobs communicate with a discreet hub in the home, and if the stove is left on and unattended for too long, it triggers a loud in-home alert. When connected to the internet, the Smarturns can also notify a family member or carer’s smartphone, or even send a text to a neighbour.
“It wasn’t complicated to set up and I didn’t need to get a tradie in or teach Dad how to use anything new,” Jenny says.
“That was important. He still cooks the same way he always has — but now, if he forgets, the system reminds him. And if he doesn’t respond, I get a message straight away.”
Life with Smarturns
Since installing Smarturns, Jenny says she hasn’t found a single burnt pot in her dad’s kitchen.
Lloyd still starts each morning with a hot breakfast and brews his own tea. Nothing’s changed about how he lives — except now, there’s a silent safety net behind the scenes.
“It’s like an invisible safeguard,” Jenny says. “Dad doesn’t feel like he’s being monitored, but I know he’s protected. And I’m not constantly worrying anymore.”
She’s even recommended Smarturns to other friends who have ageing parents.
“I wish more people knew this existed,” she adds. “It’s such a simple change, but it’s made a massive difference in our lives.”
A Solution with Heart
Smarturns was brought to Australia in May 2025 by HOMELife Technology, led by founders Paul and Kate Colley. With decades of experience in both technology and aged care respectively, they have made it their mission to source simple, effective products that enhance life, wellbeing, and independence for older Australians.
“Our goal is to help people live safely and independently at home for as long as they choose,” Paul says. “Smarturns is one of those rare solutions that protects people without interfering in their lives. It’s peace of mind — for everyone involved.”
For Families Like Lloyd and Jenny, Smarturns Is More Than Technology — It’s peace of mind.
Smarturns gave Lloyd the freedom to stay in the home he loves, doing things his way. And it gave Jenny the peace of mind that there is a backup, even when she can’t be there.
If you’re caring for a loved one who still enjoys cooking — but sometimes forgets — Smarturns might be the simple, life-changing solution you’ve been looking for.
🔒 No subscriptions
⚒️ Easy Install. No tools or trades required
📱Optional carer alerts via smartphone
🏠 Supports ongoing independence at home
Exclusively available through HOMELife Technology
👉 To Learn More – Visit HOMELife.Technology.
