Make Alexa Proactive: Create Routines

Make Alexa Proactive: Create Routines

Alexa Routines are small pieces of software that you can easily create, and which can make an Echo active rather than passive.

In other words, instead of requiring your parent to initiate an interaction with Alexa, you can automatically trigger an interaction in response to some predetermined stimulus — for example, a motion, a time of day, or a spoken phrase of your choice.

How to Use Zoom on Echo Show

How to Use Zoom on Echo Show

If you like using an Alexa device like the Echo Show, and want to join with others on a Zoom call using that device, now you can.

How to Use Alexa for Group Calls

On December 18, 2020, Amazon released an Alexa Group calling feature that allows up to seven (7) callers to be on the same Alexa call. Here is how to set it up and use it.

Watching Video Together Despite Distance

I wanted a solution that would let me and my sister (who lives far away) do some joint activities. We decided to try “joint watching” of a video. It worked rather well and we both enjoyed it, so I am sharing it here.

Bluetooth Separation Alert as Perimeter Alarm

I have been using Bluetooth tracker tags to find TV remotes and other missing items. I was hoping to use the tag’s separation alert feature to help my brother track his wife, who has Alzheimer’s, when she wanders out of their yard. I found a solution, after some effort.

Time of Day for Dementia Patient – Alexa Skill

I have created an Alexa skill called “My Clock” that is designed to help people with dementia who suffer from time “confusion”. And also to help caregivers who get exhausted from answering repeated questions about “what time is it”?

Control a TV with Voice or Pre-programmed Buttons

I found I needed different solutions, depending on exactly what problem the older adult in question had. 

Below, I describe three solutions — starting with a simple voice command to set the TV to a specific program; and escalating to special pre-programmed buttons that can be positioned near the TV and which, when pressed, automatically start the desired program.

Find TV Remote with “Tile”

There are three approaches to finding a TV remote using the Tile App. One uses an App on your phone. The second uses a “Voice Assistant” to interact with the Tile App. And the third uses a “button” to interact with the Tile App via Google assistant.