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Critter Corner: Amazon Introduces Care Hub to Aid in Caring for Aging Loved Ones

Dear Magic,

I am a long-distance caregiver for my Aunt Fran. She wants to maintain her independence, but I get worried sometimes about her since I am not there. I could use all the help I could get in finding ways to ensure she is okay, without bothering her too much. I heard something about Amazon releasing Care Hub, which works with Alexa. Can you tell me more about it?

Thanks!

Caryn Formyant

Dear Caryn,

Caring for aging family members can be difficult, especially during a pandemic. Amazon hopes to assist caregivers with its new free Alexa Care Hub feature, which allows caregivers to monitor activity and receive alerts about their aging loved ones without constantly having to check in. To get started,your loved one will need an Echo or Alexa-enabled device and wifi, while you only need the Alexa app downloaded to your phone.  

Care Hub enables you to look out for your aging loved ones, even from a distance. When both people approve setup, the Care Hub establishes a connection between you and your loved one. From your Alexa app, you can view a high-level summary of your loved one’s recent interactions with Alexa or other compatible connected smart home devices. The activity feed shows a generalized view of your loved one’s interactions, so you know they are active around the house. The Care Hub also allows you to create alerts, gives easy access to other Alexa features like Alexa Calling or Drop In, and enables Emergency Contact calling and notifications when your loved one says “Alexa, call for help.”

How to Access the Care Hub

The Care Hub is located in the Alexa app. Here are the steps to access it:

1. First, make sure you have the latest version of the Alexa app downloaded to your phone.
2. Then, open the app and tap on the “More” menu button on the bottom right navigation.
3. Next, tap on “See More” and then on “Care Hub” from the list to access the feature. If it is your first time using the Care Hub, you will be directed to establish a connection with your loved one’s Alexa account to access the activity feed and other great features.

 

Setting Up the Care Hub Connection with Your Loved One

Once your loved one extends an invitation from their Alexa app account to your account, you (the caregiver) can use the hub to monitor general activity, set up personalized alerts (if, for instance, there is no activity recorded by a specific time of day) and more.

To start this connection, access the Care Hub in the Alexa app and select that you want to provide support to a loved one. Then, share a link for the Care Hub invitation with your loved one. You can do this by text or email based on your preferred method of communication with your loved one. When they receive the link from you, you can use the step-by-step guide to walk them through the setup process and steps for sending you an invite.  

Learn more and get started here.

Hop this is helpful!

Magic

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About Renee Eder

Renee Eder is the Director of Public Relations for the Farr Law Firm, and gives the voice to the Critters of Critter Corner. Renee’s poodle, Penny, is an official comfort dog who she and her children bring to visit with seniors who are in the early stages of dementia at a local senior home once a month.

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