Environmental Control Systems for the Home

The Somfy TaHoma® switch is a modern, easy-to-use smart home hub designed to significantly enhance independence, comfort, and security for the disabled, elderly, and those requiring environmental control solutions. For Occupational Therapists, it provides a powerful, customisable smart home system for disabled users that meets a wide range of patient goals for daily living.

Designed for Simplicity and Accessibility

This system simplifies the operation of complex home technologies, making daily routines effortless.

• One-Touch Independence: The core feature is the two large, personalised scene launcher buttons. These allow users to consolidate multiple actions into a single, simple press. For example, a ‘Good Night’ scene can close all automatic blinds, lock the front door, and turn off the downstairs lights instantly—eliminating repetitive or difficult tasks.
• Hands-Free Control: The TaHoma® switch is compatible with major voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This provides a vital hands-free control option, allowing users with limited mobility or dexterity to manage their environment by simply speaking a command.
• Intuitive App Access: Using the TaHoma® app on a smartphone or tablet, the user (or a caregiver/OT) can monitor and control all connected devices from anywhere. The app can also be used to schedule actions automatically, such as opening blinds to help with morning routines or turning lights on at dusk for safety.

Comprehensive Environmental Management

The TaHoma® switch centralises control over all the key elements that support independent living in the home, including:

• Access: Automatic doors, garage doors, and electronic door locks
• Comfort: Electric windows, blinds, curtains, lighting, and heating
• Safety: Security cameras, alarms, and motion sensors.

The system is highly scalable, utilising protocols such as io-homecontrol, RTS, and Zigbee 3.0 to ensure seamless integration with existing and future assistive technologies.

A Solution Supported by OTs

The TaHoma® switch is a reliable, adaptive solution that can be tailored by an Occupational Therapist to match specific physical or cognitive needs, maximising a user’s independence and quality of life at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Somfy TaHoma® switch is designed for simplicity and independence. Here are some common questions asked by the elderly, disabled users, and Occupational Therapists (OTs).

Ease of Use & Accessibility

I struggle with small buttons/screens. How easy is the TaHoma switch to operate?

It is designed for simplicity. You can use Voice Assistants (Alexa/Google Home) for hands-free control, or use the two large, physical buttons on the hub to launch your most complex routines instantly.

Does the system require a lot of technical knowledge to set up and maintain?

No. Installation is typically quick, and the TaHoma app offers an intuitive, guided process. Once set up, the system runs automatically with minimal input required.

Can I stop a scene/routine halfway through if needed?

Yes. Simply press the central pause button on the TaHoma® switch hub, or use the app/voice command to override the running scene.

You used to supply the Philips Pronto. Why is the Somfy TaHoma better?

The Philips Pronto was an excellent, high-end universal remote control. However, the Somfy TaHoma® switch is a superior solution for environmental control because it is a true Smart Home Automation Hub, not just a remote. TaHoma natively supports accessibility-focused devices using io-homecontrol, RTS, and Zigbee 3.0, whereas the Pronto relied heavily on older Infra-Red (IR) technology. The TaHoma is controlled via simple Voice Commands and large one-touch buttons, replacing the complex PC-based programming required for the Pronto. Lastly, the TaHoma connects easily with modern heating, security, and smart lighting systems, offering a more complete and scalable solution for independent living.

Safety & Security

What happens if my home internet (Wi-Fi) goes down?

Crucially, your io-homecontrol and RTS devices (blinds, curtains, basic door control etc.) will still operate using their existing physical remotes or the two physical scene buttons on the hub, ensuring essential functions remain accessible.

Is the system secure, and is my data protected?

Yes. The TaHoma® switch has strong security standards, including UL IoT security certification. It uses encrypted connections to ensure your personal information and home data are kept safe.

Can the system be used to simulate occupancy when I am away?

Yes. You can set a ‘Presence Simulation’ routine to automatically open and close blinds and turn lights on/off at realistic times, enhancing security and deterring intruders.

Compatibility & Occupational Therapy (OT) Use

Can my Occupational Therapist (OT) customise the system to my specific needs?

Absolutely. The system is a powerful tool for OTs. They can use the app to create highly personalised ‘Scenes’ (like a ‘Transfer to Wheelchair’ or ‘Night Time Safety’ scene) and assign them to the easy-to-use physical buttons.

Will it work with my existing non-Somfy equipment, such as my alarm or heating?

The TaHoma switch is open and compatible with a wide ecosystem of partners (including heating and lighting brands) thanks to protocols like Zigbee 3.0. Always check the Somfy website or speak to a specialist to confirm specific device compatibility.

If my needs change in the future, can I add new equipment easily?

Yes, the system is designed to be highly scalable. You can add new Somfy and partner devices at any time through the TaHoma app to adapt to your evolving accessibility requirements.