Calling on the expertise of folks who have incorporated technology to help with their caregiving duties.
Do you use Alexa or ring technologies in the home of your loved one?
Did you create a new Amazon or Ring account just for them?
If you incorporated it in your existing Amazon/Alexa stuff, how did you organize it?
Are there any cool apps or routines you’ve incorporated for the devices in the home?
I don’t know if what I would do without the ring technologies and the one Alexa device I have at her location. I just don’t think I’ve set it up for the greatest efficiency and effectiveness.
Her ring system is totally her own account. I have full access.
She does not have an Amazon account. I have placed an Amazon device in her home, but it remains in my Amazon account. I’m just not sure I have organized it correctly or efficiently.
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. She’s actually pretty good about asking ALEXA for a wakeup call in the mornings. Her Alexa also alerts her if her front door is not locked. She just has one unit, located in her bedroom. I had one in the kitchen, but she kept unplugging it.
I had considered an Amazon show, but it seems that it would be bit confusing for her. Technology is not her friend most of the time. She does not use her cell phone. She has a skylight frame, but I’m constantly resetting it, or fixing it because she pushes and punches the screen and disable things by mistake. That is a behavior I cannot control.
Medicine reminder capabilities would be awesome.
She is semi-aware that the technology and is in place and seems to appreciate the benefits it provides. I tell her the biggest benefits are safety and trying to keep her as independent as possible. She has actually helped me adjust camera positioning via phone/camera speaker. It does not freak her out when I pop in on the camera. I don’t do that often. It’s usually when she has left the phone off the hook and I have to tell her to please check it so that people can get in touch with her.
Penny, your questions are good ones, but what is the situation with your mother? You can set up and run through all the things, but if she has dementia, even the beginning stages, it may not be possible for her to use the devices that would be so helpful.
"I’m constantly resetting it, or fixing it because she pushes and punches the screen and disables things by mistake." And "when she has left the phone off the hook." And "she kept unplugging it." All those statements seem indicative of cognitive issues that won't get better. If that's the case, setting up everything and expecting her to use them would be a waste of time.
IMO, it's time to get honest with yourself and be realistic. She may need more help now than you'll get from technology.
I am hearing that more and more ALF have technology experts or consierge help, as they call it.
I am seeing a lot of devices on some sites I never imagined, and I just posted in "discussions" about them yesterday; Best of luck and I hope you will update us on anything you find that can help.