Recent technology makes life simpler for seniors. Voice activated speakers especially offer older people endless conveniences at home. Older folks who lack a solid grasp on technology can easily use voice command devices with no learning curve. Programming, memorization, and the hassles of learning to use new technology are virtually nonexistent with voice command devices. Simply speak and the unit performs the desired task.
Seniors benefit immensely when voice activated speakers are used. From minor perks to critical reminders, voice command devices should be in every senior’s home.
In fact, senior living centers are increasingly utilizing voice command devices to serve as digital assistants or, to an extent, voice-controlled caregivers. If you have recently purchased a voice command device, you can ask your caregiver to help you set it up.
Check out all of the following benefits of Amazon Echos and Google Home Speakers for seniors
Entertainment
1. Television
When it comes to entertainment, voice activated speakers are front and center. An aging individual who is confined to a bed has ample opportunity to adjust the television with just her voice. A smart TV, for instance, turns on and off, switches channels and surfs the web with verbal commands.
2. Music
Similar to a smart TV is Apple’s HomePod. This speaker delivers a senior’s preferred audio instantly. A senior should be able to speak the words “Hey Siri” and then a command to play music, for example. The senior’s room will be filled with the tunes from Billie Holiday, for instance, just by uttering, “Hey Siri, play music by Billie Holiday.”
3. News
Staying up to date on current events is made easy by voice command devices intended for a home, like Amazon Echo. Especially useful for seniors who have impaired vision and are challenged in reading the daily news, voice command devices can relay news recaps from major news outlets, plus the weather and stocks.
Daily Tasks
4. Shopping
Grocery shopping for a senior who is reluctant to drive is no longer a difficulty with a voice activated speaker. When the senior comes across a tantalizing recipe, rather than grab a pen and painfully jot down the ingredients with arthritic hands, voice command speakers come to the rescue.
Smart speakers make shopping lists and even place shopping orders. With Amazon Echo, for instance, a senior ready to cook up a storm simply verbalizes the food items needed. An order is placed online once the senior tells Alexa the items she wants to purchase. Alexa is also sophisticated enough to understand when the senior indicates she wants to buy specific brands. Within a few days, the foodstuffs are delivered to the senior’s doorstep.
5. Lights
Lights can be turned on and off with the sound of a senior’s voice. Fumbling in the dark is history for seniors who utilize voice activated lightbulbs. Vocca Light, for example, offers the option to schedule turning lights on and off or control the lights with the senior’s vocal command.
6. Thermostat
A chilly winter day can be made comfortably warm by adjusting the thermostat with verbal direction. Smart thermostats can be adjusted in seconds. A senior simply has to raise the temperature by verbally requesting the desired setting from a voice activated speaker, such as Amazon Echo.
Voice command speakers should be connected with other smart devices in the senior’s home in order to be verbally controlled.
Our caregivers can assist with all of these self-care tasks.
A senior will never forget a grandson’s birthday when voice command devices set calendar reminders. The individual should tell Alexa, “Alexa, remind me to call Joseph on his birthday tomorrow.” Seniors can also ask Alexa or Siri to send a happy birthday message and instruct the device to read the grandson’s response.
Similarly, many everyday tasks can be accomplished with the assistance of a voice activated speakers. A senior will remember to turn off the oven by stating, “Alexa, remind me to turn off the oven in one hour.”
Healthcare
8. Doctor’s Visits
Older adults can stay on top of doctor’s visits or healthcare appointments with the aid of a smart device. For example, seniors can tell Alexa to remind them about their weekly 2pm physical therapy appointments.
9. Medication
Seniors’ medications will be taken regularly and on schedule with the assistance of smart devices. Voice controlled medication alarm clocks, for instance, speak instructions to nudge older people to take their medications. The reminders, such as, “Dad, it’s time to take one yellow pill and two red ones!” can be recorded in advance.
10. Stimulation
Older individuals benefit from mental stimulation, like puzzles and board games. Seniors can stay mentally challenged with Amazon Echo or Google Home, which may be utilized to play stimulating interactive games.
11. Nutrition
Seniors may be unaware of how to consume a healthy diet. One way to gain access to tasty, nutritional dishes is to ask Siri or Alexa for healthy eating tips. Just ask, “Siri, what should seniors eat to stay health?” Siri’s response offers optimum recommendations, maybe even with a sprinkle of humor.
Siri and Alexa are a senior’s exercise companion. Both voice-controlled devices can provide exercise suggestions in response to an inquiry for the most fitting senior physical activities.
13. Social Connections
Loneliness often plagues older adults. Fortunately, LiSA, a voice-activated social networking platform, provide seniors with the ability to stay in touch with family and the community. Seniors simply say, “Start LiSA” and the device offers invaluable content relevant to seniors and in a conversational, friendly manner.
Work with a Caregiver for Help with Amazon Echo or Google Home Speaker
Voice activated speakers are useful technology. However, nothing surpasses the human touch. When you seek an in-home caregiver to offer assistance to an aging loved one, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our comprehensive, non-medical services include meal preparation, transportation, fall prevention, personal care and companionship.
Each in-home caregiver is licensed, bonded and insured to provide families and their loved ones with maximum peace of mind. The Assisting Hands Home Care representatives meet with the family and care recipient to develop a flexible, tailored care plan designed to meet the senior’s every non-medical need. Our elder care providers are experienced and highly trained in senior care.
Assisting Hands Home Care proudly serves the elder populations of Broward County, Florida. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care to ensure each senior we serve lives a dignified life.
Free Consultation
To request a free estimate with one of our trained and experienced caregivers, contact Assisting Hands Home Care at (954) 859-2271.
