How Voice Technology is Helping Seniors
What Is Voice Assistant Technology?
Voice assistant technology are devices that use voice recognition, speech synthesis, and natural language processing to understand commands and perform tasks or services. These tasks can include answering a question, turning on a light at home, playing music, answering a telephone, scheduling appointments, and much more. Companies like Amazon, Google, Apple, and Microsoft are at the forefront of the technology, but others like Lifepod are also emerging.
How a Voice Assistant Device Works
A voice assistant device is passive listening devices that turn on once they receive “wake” command followed by a task or question. For instance, on a Google Home device, a basic wake command would be “Ok Google, what time is it?”. They are typically connected to the Internet to perform more advanced tasks such as shopping on Amazon, looking up information, and set up appointments. It’s important to note that since they are passive listening devices, they are always listening to what’s happening around it. Although this is used to make sure they can respond right away once a command is received, it does raise privacy concerns when commands aren’t being given.
Benefits of Voice Assistant Technology for Seniors
Voice technology can benefit seniors in many ways, particularly seniors with memory issues and visual impairment.
Voice Assistant for Seniors with Memory Issues
Voice technology for the elderly with memory issues can have the devices create daily routines for them. For example, with a simple shortcut command of "Good morning Google", the voice-enabled device can:
- Say "Good morning" back
- Turn on the lights
- Tell them the weather and time
- Tell them recent news
- Provide a schedule for the day and remind them of upcoming events
In addition, these devices can also remind them of small but challenging tasks as well. These include remembering the address of doctor's offices and hospitals, storing phone numbers of family, friends, and neighbors, gate or door codes, and even reminding them of someone's name and birthday.
Voice Assistant for Seniors with Visual Impairments
Those with limited visual abilities can also benefit from voice assistant technology. Since the devices are powered solely by voice, seniors don't have to interact with a visual interface to get things done. The device can turn on the lights, guide them around the house, and even find lost items such as keys.
Benefits of Voice Assistant Technology for Family Caregivers
Voice assistant technology can also benefit family members who may live out of state. Some devices like Lifepod come featured with an ability to "check-in" on their loved ones. Through this feature, family members away from their loved ones can send a command remotely to remind their loved one to complete tasks, set up appointments, and even provide entertainment throughout the day.
About Right at Home Palm Beach
The Right at Home Palm Beach office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of Boynton Beach Greenacres, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Riviera Beach, and Wellington. For more information, visit Right at Home Palm Beach, or contact Bruce Gropper at (561) 440-2273, or by email at bruce@best4care.com .
