ALEXA ECHO VIDEO PORTALS:
When I realized that "seeing me" gave Mama comfort, I started my research into Alexa Echo Portals. The main positive of this was the DROP IN feature. Actually, the drop-in was a lifesaver for ME! For those caring for elderly loved ones or those with dementia, the Alexa Portal's drop-in feature is invaluable in my opinion.
There's also a way to connect them to your TV so you can speak through a really big screen. It's not something I would advise if you are depending on someone else to do this for you.
For All Echo Devices:
Benefits of Drop-In
No Need to Answer Calls:
One of the biggest challenges I faced was that Mama would not have known to press the green button to answer a call. Technology was not something she was familiar with, and as her condition worsened, it became even harder for her to manage. The drop-in feature solved this problem. It plays a wee tune before you "log on" and that's when she knew I "arrived" home. You can set the privacy as well so only you or whomever you choose can access this.
Comfort and Connection:
At first, Mama thought the Alexa Portal was a special phone, then she thought I was upstairs, even though I was halfway across the world. The ability to drop in and stay connected gave both of us immense comfort.
Ease of Use:
For those caring for the elderly and those with dementia, the simplicity of the drop-in feature is a game-changer. It's as if you're right there with them, offering a sense of presence and security that traditional phone calls can't provide.
Access Cameras
You can access certain cameras through this portal. Initially, I bought several Echo's on my end as well, to communicate with Mama. Later, I realized I could also view the cameras (Blink, Wyze and Ring), which turned out to be an added benefit. And they have camera features, so you can use as a camera as well.
Overcoming Glitches with Alexa Echo Portals
Don't get me wrong, technology isn't perfect. There are glitches like freezing, turning off unexpectedly, and needing to restart. However, despite these challenges, the Alexa Portal's drop-in feature is the closest thing I found to truly staying connected with Mama. I also has a back up plan (of course!) This is in my care plan.
Challenges:
Customer service - again. It's just... non existent. Some of the best products from this company with abysmal customer service. If any issues, try to troubleshoot with the below before calling. Then you will have to either be there yourself in front of the portal or have a trusted person at the location as they will ask you to try the below before replacing it (although they will replace if faulty so that's a positive)
At times, the echo portals would randomly play a song. Whilst this was usually fine, it would occasionally startle Mama (and myself), like when Pavarotti's "Ave Maria" suddenly blasted at 6am. And then it will still show advertisements even though they are turned off in settings.
It would be highly beneficial to be able to do more through the app. Such as turn off the music so it doesn't just decide to play. Or even more importantly, reset from the app when the screen freezes. Maybe even update the unit from the app.
Again, this is based on NOT being near the product every day and not having anyone that can or wants to understand how to turn off the portal or update. It can get quite frustrating.
Troubleshoot
Make sure you have a stable internet connection: Ensure that both your and your loved one's devices have a stable internet connection.
Keep the device updated to minimize glitches. You can do this in "settings"
Unplug and then plug back in
When all else fails... call (gulp) "customer service"
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AMAZON ECHO SHOW 15
This is one of the best and one of the priciest. I really like this one.
It has a huge 15.6" screen and of course the wonderful drop-in feature. It's better for your LO to see you due to the large screen.
It has so many bells and whistles but I mainly used it for calling ONLY.
Note: I purchased a stand to mount it, as I didn't want this on a wall. You can mount it on a wall or display it with a compatible stand (sold separately), in portrait or landscape orientation, I purchased the stand and preferred this. The link takes you to the "bundle" that is the unit and the stand but you can just buy the product and mount on wall if it suits.
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AMAZON ECHO SHOW 10
I was impressed with this when I first purchased it - after all it boasted that it has "a 10 inch screen that is designed to move with you" feature. I was excited with this and it worked well for several weeks. It did follow you but then... the glitches began. I would be halfway across the world at this time and Mama would be speaking to me, make some sort of hand gesture and it would do a Regan (from the exorcist) and turn 180 and stay there!!! So to mama I was turning away from her. That's a whole other story for my blog but I eventually disabled that feature.
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AMAZON ECHO SHOW 5 AND 8
I started with these as cameras and placed them in areas of the house where I knew Mama would sit, so we could have "tea" together. The smaller ones were good for a start, as well as for appointment reminders or as backup cameras if others weren't working. However, the screen became too small for Mama to see me clearly, so we switched to larger ones. Again, I purchased stands for these.
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IPAD and/or SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB
Both of these are well known and super easy for a lot of us. However, these need charged. And need someone to answer on the other side. So this will work just as well as the above however you must have a trusted person to charge the unit and be there to help your loved one IF they do not know how to use these tablets.
What's easy for us may not be easy for our elderly parents. We're used to this technology and eventually, with dementia they may forget how to use it.
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