Using Alexa Routines to Translate the “How Long” Request

By:  Frank Engelman   |  Posted: July 8, 2022   |  Updated: April 18, 2023

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The Problem to be Solved

How Long To Lunch?: Alzheimers Sufferer Asks

How Long To Lunch?: Alzheimers Sufferer Asks

I’m desperate to find an Alexa app for my uncle who suffers from Alzheimers. He not only has the issue of am/pm confusion, but he is very concerned about missing a meal.

Solution Details

 

This solution shows how to use Alexa Routines to answer the “Alexa, how long until lunch?” type questions.

 

Video Showing “How Long to Lunch” Solution in Action

 

 

 

About this Solution

Alexa includes a great feature in that it can respond a request for “how long until HH:MM?” where HH:MM is a fixed time, e.g., 8:00 AM

What you need to do is create a series of Alexa Routines that translate these “how long” requests from the loved one into a fixed time request.

If you are not familiar with creating Alexa Routines, see the “Solution: Make Alexa Proactive: Create Routines” article

In the examples below, I show breakfast, lunch, and dinner Alexa Routines.

 

The Details

 

Caption- How long routines

 

You can add several “When you say” commands to each routine in case your loved one doesn’t say the commands the same way each time

 

Caption- several ways to invoke a routine

 

You could create other routines to handle fixed times such as appointments or group meetings.

 

 

 

Kit List for this Solution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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