What Can Alexa Do For The Elderly?
Randall Mullins
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Smart Appliances – With Alexa’s voice commands, seniors can simply call out and have Alexa control the lights or adjust smart appliance settings. Seniors with smart technology can control the thermostat, turn on the TV, adjust the oven temperature, monitor security systems, and more.
- At Caring Senior Service, our expert staff is comprised of extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and trusted professionals who take pride in helping your loved ones manage their daily activities.
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: Using Alexa for Seniors with Dementia
How can Alexa help an elderly person?
Let our care assessment guide you – Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation. One of the most important parts of a caregiver’s job is monitoring the physical health and well-being of an older person. Diet, exercise, and medication all play a vital part in making sure they’re happy and healthy.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control, are caused by just a few medicines that require special monitoring.
- Caregivers can help keep seniors safe by setting personalized medication reminders for seniors through services such as, a service that connects caregivers and seniors through their Amazon devices.
Whether the caregiver wants to ensure their loved one receives or they want to be alerted in the event of a fall, Alexa Together can provide caregivers with a clear view of a senior’s safety and well-being.
- Another advantage is that Alexa Together is a senior-centric tool first.
- “Alexa Together was designed to help aging family members feel more comfortable and confident living independently, and to give their family peace of mind,” says Nicolas Maynard, senior manager of Alexa for Everyone.
- Here are some specific features of Alexa Together.
- Customized alerts
Caregivers can customize alerts to address a variety of concerns, such as when their loved one has or hasn’t completed tasks or when their loved one interacts with their devices. For instance, Maynard says that a contact sensor linked to Alexa Together can be placed on a door or medicine cabinet, notifying the caregiver of the potential for wandering or reassuring the caregiver that medications have been taken.
Alexa Emergency Helpline This 24/7 urgent care line allows seniors to request emergency services through trained agents. Seniors can connect to an operator using the command, “Alexa, call for help,” and caregivers will automatically receive a notification that the Emergency Helpline has been contacted.
This service can be useful for helping seniors who regularly make unnecessary 911 calls. These calls are typically made by seniors who live alone or by people who are mentally ill, according to Rana Simpson, a consultant for the Center for Problem Oriented Policing. Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation. It’s important to note that, while an asset in emergencies, the Alexa Emergency Helpline is not a 911 service and does not call 911 directly. Fall detection Alexa Together’s fall detection feature can provide caregivers with peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being monitored.
The can be serious. According to the Center for Disease Control, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors 65 and older. Whether you choose the, which detects falls via sound, or this, connecting these devices to an Amazon device that uses Alexa Together can allow caregivers to act quickly in the event of a fall.
Remote Assist With the remote assist function, caregivers can set reminders, add contacts, manage grocery lists directly, and adjust the settings of an Echo device. Whether your 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 The activity feed condenses all of the 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.
Circle of Support 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. Our advisors help 300,000 families each year find the right senior care for their loved ones. Amazon has a number of other products that feature Alexa. One of the most popular lines is Echo, a series of hands-free speakers and devices that can be controlled with your voice. Consider the following models.
- , 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, this 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.
- , This device 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, this high-fidelity smart speaker 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. Here are some other devices seniors can integrate into their homes.
- , When connected to Alexa, this HD-video doorbell system allows you to see, hear, and speak to anyone outside the door, directly from your phone, tablet, or computer. Ring also offers devices that can remotely turn on lights and lock doors. If a caregiver wants to share access to a Ring device, they can become a Shared User by asking the device owner to text or email them an invitation.
- , The devices under this umbrella include lighting, security cameras, and thermostats that can be operated using an Alexa device. These devices are also compatible with, Amazon’s home security service.
- , This Alexa-compatible smart TV offers HD-quality video and comes with the, which can find your favorite apps, movies, and shows.
However you decide to integrate Alexa into your or your loved one’s home, it’s essential to set up the device correctly and ensure that seniors can use all of its functions. For home setup, follow these easy steps:
- Purchase a device on Amazon.com and select “gift” at checkout so that the device doesn’t sync automatically with your Amazon account.
- Log in to your loved one’s Amazon account and activate the Alexa-compatible device.
- Find a spot where you know a senior can easily interact with the device — many people choose the nightstand or the living room. “For a better experience, placing a variety of devices, like an Echo Show, Echo, or Echo Dot, in rooms throughout the loved one’s home can help them more easily access Alexa as they go about their day,” Maynard says.
- Position the device in the center of the room, away from any TVs, windows, or potential hazards such as the kitchen sink.
- Make sure the device is at least 6 inches from the wall, with clearance on the top and sides.
- Customize the Alexa settings as desired. You can tell Alexa what to call you, or change the command that activates the device to make it easier to remember.
Virtual assistants like Alexa can be a useful tool for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. For example, Alexa can assist seniors with by providing an easy way to play music. Seniors simply need to ask Alexa to play the song they want to hear.
Alexa can also be used to help seniors cope with two of the by helping keep track of appointments or by looking up words they can’t remember. In times when caregivers can’t intervene, Alexa and Alexa Together can provide much-needed peace of mind. Sources: Amazon staff. (2021, December 7). US About Amazon,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, October 11). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dahmen, J., Cook, D.J., Wang, X., & Honglei, W. (2017, August). Journal of reliable intelligent environments, Sampson, R. (2002). ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing.
The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site.
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Is there an Alexa for seniors?
3. Alert A Buddy That You Need Help – One of the best virtual assistant features that the Amazon Alexa offers for seniors is the ability to set up someone as your “buddy” so that in case you need help you can ask Alexa to contact them immediately. This can alert several people that you assign to the Ask My Buddy program.
How do you setup the Alexa show for the elderly?
Set up an Echo Show with your loved one – If your relative is uncomfortable setting up their new Echo Show on their own, you can help them get started with their device using the below instructions.
- Plug in the device to start setup
- Tap the screen and select a language.
- Select your loved one’s home Wi-Fi network name from the list of available networks.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password, then tap Done in the bottom right corner.
- Ask your loved one to enter their Amazon account email and password and tap Sign in,
- Confirm the time zone and tap Continue to complete setup.
What can Alexa hands free do?
With the feature, you can have Alexa open apps on your phone, navigate while you are driving, bring up recipes while you are cooking and shop among other things; all without touching your phone.
What is the difference between Alexa and voice assistant?
What’s the difference between Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa? Written by Mascha 23 August 2022 14:45 Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are the market leaders when it comes to voice operating systems. For both systems, you can connect smart products and control them with your voice. There are some minor differences. In this articles we look at the differences and similarities. The software behind the Google Assistant app and Amazon Alexa app is constantly improving. Every platform has its own focus points. For example, Amazon Alexa can be linked to more smart products and, for example, Google Assistant has its own cloud service to store your favorite music. You give a command to your speech assistant with a ‘trigger’. With Google Assistant that is “Hey Google” or “Ok Google” and with Alexa that is “Alexa”. After this, Google Assistant or Alexa will get started for you. Both speech assistants work the same in that respect.
The difference is mainly in specific functions. This means you have more time at Alexa to give a second assignment without the trigger “Alexa”. Google Assistant, for example, is already available in Dutch. The differences between Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are minimal. Both platforms are market leaders when it comes to speech assistants and both platforms continue to improve.
It depends on your own preferences whether you choose Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Alexa distinguishes itself especially in the number of connectable products. The most important advantage of Google Assistant is Dutch language support. : What’s the difference between Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa?
Does Alexa work without internet?
RobotPoweredHome is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my blog, I may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When it comes to smart home assistants, Amazon’s Alexa is definitely right up there at the top.
- With Alexa, you can do many cool things, from setting reminders and scheduling your day to control the appliances in your smart home.
- That being said, does Alexa require Wi-Fi to function? The short answer is yes.
- Amazon’s Alexa requires a working internet connection to access all the different features it offers.
But you can still use Alexa with a mobile hotspot, or as a Bluetooth Speaker even without an internet connection. In this article, I will tell you why Alexa needs Wi-Fi, what it can do without Wi-Fi, and how you can get your Alexa working if you don’t have Wi-Fi at home.
Are home assistants always listening?
Voice Assistants Are Always Listening. Should You Be Worried? By now there’s a virtual assistant in most homes (and hands) with Alexa devices, Siri on iPhones and iPads, and “Hey Google” on Android phones and Google devices. All of these devices have microphones so are they listening to you all of the time? In short, yes.
The always-on devices and assistants are constantly listening for their ‘wake word’. Amazon’s Echo devices listen for “Alexa” unless you change it to “computer”, or “Echo”. iOS devices listen constantly for “Hey Siri” (unless you turn it off) and Android devices listen for the words “Hey Google”. So the microphones are always on.
If you say something similar to their wake word, or if someone says it on TV, the device begins recording.
Can I set up Alexa for my Mom?
On your Echo Show say ‘Alexa, call Mom’ (or whatever name or nickname you put in your Alexa Contacts). (Note: the first time Alexa may ask if you want her mobile phone or Alexa devices choose Alexa devices.) Your Mom’s Echo Show should offer her the option to answer.
Can two Alexas work in the same house?
You can set up and manage several Amazon Echo devices in your household and even play the same music on multiple Alexa devices at the same time.
What music is free on Alexa?
Link a Third-Party Music Service to Your Echo Dot – As you might expect, your Echo Dot starts with Amazon Music as the default music player. So, if you have a Prime membership, you can leave it there because the music isn’t costing you anything aside from your Prime subscription costs.
- Open the Alexa app on your phone or computer.
- Select “Settings,” then “Music & Podcasts” under the “ALEXA PREFERENCES” section.
- Choose “Link New Service” under the “SERVICES” section. The items listed underneath are already usable.
- Select your music provider from the list of remaining services.
- Follow the wizard to add logins or set as default.
The ‘Link New Service’ feature includes many of the more popular music services, but it does not include all of them. Regardless, setting up your Echo Dot to use a third-party music service is as easy as following the simple steps listed above.
What can Alexa do for healthcare?
With a simple voice command, you can use Alexa to get your questions answered, play music, and control smart home devices within their room. With Alexa Smart Properties for healthcare, patients can communicate with their care team, choose not to be disturbed, or let their care team virtually monitor their well-being.