Amazon Alexa is a virtual assistant that can help seniors remain independent through a variety of senior-focused features. It can provide reminders for medication or appointments, plus easy access to entertainment such as movies, shows, and music. Alexa is compatible with several Amazon devices and offers several communication and safety monitoring options that help keep seniors connected to family or emergency-service providers. With such a wide variety of features, Alexa can help independent seniors remain safe at home while also providing peace of mind for family members.
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As a voice-activated assistant, Alexa creates a more simple way for seniors to interact with their Amazon smart devices. When combining an Alexa-enabled device with the subscription service Alexa Together, seniors get access to safety and security features such as fall detection and activity monitoring.
Senior caregivers can use Alexa Together to monitor and communicate with their elderly loved ones using the Alexa app. This allows caregivers to get a clear view of a senior’s safety and well-being.
The following examples highlight the features of Alexa Together.
Alerts can be customized to address a variety of concerns. For example, a contact sensor linked to Alexa Together can be placed on an exterior door in the senior’s home. A caregiver can set up the contact sensor to send an alert when the door is opened to warn of potential wandering.
This 24/7 emergency helpline allows seniors to request emergency services through trained agents. Seniors can connect to an agent by simply using the voice-command, “Alexa, call for help.” Caregivers will also be notified that the emergency helpline has been contacted. This service can be useful for helping seniors who regularly make unnecessary 911 calls.
It’s important to note that, while the Alexa emergency helpline can be an asset in emergency situations, it does not call 911 directly.
The fall detection feature monitors a seniors via a range of third-party sensors that can immediately notify caregivers allowing them to act quickly in the event of a fall. One example of a sensor that is compatible with Amazon devices is the Vayvar Care wall-mounted sensor, which detects falls via sound.
With the Remote Assist function, caregivers can set reminders, add contacts, manage grocery lists directly, and adjust the settings of a loved one’s Echo device. Whether a loved one needs a notification to take their medications or a reminder to set up a doctor’s appointment, Remote Assist allows caregivers to lend a helping hand from afar.
“Activity feed” collects all of the Alexa Together features into the Alexa app, where caregivers can manage their alerts or access features like Drop In and Remote Assist. If enabled, the Drop In function allows caregivers and seniors to connect through audio or video calling at the touch of a button.
This feature allows several caregivers to stay up to date on an aging loved one’s well-being. Circle of Support enables up to 10 caregivers to connect to a device, meaning they’ll all receive daily alerts through the activity feed. Access to a loved one’s device can be easily granted and removed by the primary caregiver.
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Amazon’s Echo line offers Alexa-enabled devices that are affordable and can help simplify the process of connecting to Alexa. With a variety of features, the following devices highlight the versatility of the Echo line.
With the Echo Dot, seniors can easily and affordably integrate Alexa into their homes. This is the smallest Alexa-compatible smart speaker that Amazon offers.
Resembling a picture frame, the Echo Show 15 is Amazon’s largest smart display. The device features an HD touch-screen display with facial and voice recognition software that can store helpful information from multiple users.
The Echo Show 10 features a smaller HD touch-screen display with a motorized base that allows it to track your movement around the room.
Offering immersive audio quality, the Echo Studio is a high-fidelity smart speaker that offers 3D sound that can adapt to fit any room.
You can further expand Alexa’s functionality by pairing your Amazon Echo with other smart home devices including the following:
Alexa smart home devices include lighting, security cameras, and thermostats that can be operated using an Alexa device. These devices are also compatible with Alexa emergency assist, Amazon’s home security service.
When connected to Alexa, the Ring video doorbell allows seniors and shared users to see, hear, and speak to anyone outside the door. This HD-video doorbell system also lets users monitor the door directly from their phone, tablet, or computer. Ring also offers devices that can remotely turn on lights and lock doors.
The Fire TV is a stand-alone smart TV that offers HD-quality video and access to streaming services The Fire Stick plugs into your existing TV allowing a user to access the Amazon app and a variety of streaming services. Both the Fire TV and Fire Stick are compatible with other Alexa devices and offer voice-control functions.
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The following steps will help you to set up an Alexa device for a loved one:
Virtual assistants like Alexa can be a useful tool for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Alexa can be used to help seniors cope with two of the earliest symptoms of dementia by keeping track of appointments or by looking up words they can’t remember. Alexa can also provide an informal type of music therapy — seniors simply need to ask Alexa to play the song they want to hear.
In times when caregivers can’t intervene, Alexa devices and Alexa Together can provide much-needed peace of mind.
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