Ambient Assisted Living with the Nuki Smart Lock

“Without Nuki I would lose part of my independence.”

Digital Access Systems add more comfort into everyday life. But for people with disabilities, smart access solutions are more than just practical gadgets. A Smart Lock can sometimes be the only way to open the door without assistance. The Italian Social Media Manager and Project Manager Benedetta de Cecco tells us in this interview, how the Nuki Smart Lock helps her in creating a more independent lifestyle.

Tell us about yourself. How old are you? Where do you live? What kind of help do you have in your daily life?

I am Benedetta, I am 29 years old and I live in Udine, Italy. I suffer from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). I recently fulfilled my dream of living on my own. I need assistance with small daily actions but thanks to my assistants and Nuki I have achieved the independence I have always sought.

I studied public relations and obtained a master’s degree in sports business management. Sport is my life. I was the first to found an Italian wheelchair hockey team in Friuli Venezia Giulia and I am involved in many other activities related to wheelchair sports. Today I am a Social Media Manager for some local companies and Project Manager for an international event on women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.
Despite the busy schedule I still manage to find time to spend with my friends.

What are the main challenges in terms of access management?

Finding an accessible flat was not easy at all, but after several searches, we found a newly built apartment block with barrier-free access from both the main entrance and the garage. During the renovation work, we immediately converted the power sockets to smart ones, buying appliances and smart devices and making the most of voice assistants. Being able to create a smart home easily and affordably has proven to be crucial and allows me to live my daily life as independently as possible.

How did you find out about Nuki?

Initially through the internet. I was looking for solutions for smart access as I cannot make enough force to turn the key in the lock. So I found the nuki.io website and immediately realised that it is the smart lock par excellence in terms of both product type and services. Before, I was convinced that such a thing was not possible. I thought I would have to change the whole mechanism or at worst the whole door. The reviews on YouTube convinced me to choose the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro.
Nuki helps me both on the mechanical side by rotating the key to open the door, and on the software side by managing the entrances via apps for friends, carers, and family. My parents can rest assured because traditional access with keys is always guaranteed.

Do you use other devices for the smart home?

Gradually we are building a real smart home on a small budget. In addition to power sockets, we have installed a smart intercom with a digital peephole, smart door access and smart appliances all more or less connected with Alexa (sometimes with disappointing results). With Nuki, however, the integration with Alexa was almost instantaneous and complete of all functions.

What are your favourite features of the Nuki Smart Lock? Do you use Auto Unlock?

Auto Unlock is not essential for me at the moment but I plan to test it soon. Instead, the function I find most useful is the voice commands from Alexa and Siri. Also, the creation and sharing of digital keys are essential for me to manage the access of my loved ones and the helpers who come to assist me every day. There is no longer a need to create duplicate keys for friends and family, all it takes is a smartphone and a few clicks.

Nuki is a smart lock for everyone, but for some people, it is not an option but an absolute necessity. Today, I could never give up Nuki, otherwise, I would lose part of my freedom of action. Using technology to solve problems is the most useful and noble thing a company can do nowadays.

Benedetta De Cecco on Instagram
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