Technology has come a long way in the last decade and is now a regular part of our daily lives. From communicating with grandchildren to tracking chore lists, technology is usually involved!

Many high-tech gadgets make our lives easier. When it comes to senior living technology, digital assistants can help you with day-to-day tasks.

If you’re brand new to Alexa, iHome, Google Home, or other devices, we’re here to help. Here are our top six tips for seniors using digital assistants:

1. Read the Instruction Manual

While most digital assistants are manufactured to be easy to use, that doesn’t mean they’ll start working when you take them out of the box. Read the instruction manual to get a good sense of how the device and its features work.

The instruction manual is the best starting point for getting to know your new device. When programmed correctly, digital assistants can be one of the most helpful pieces of senior living technology.

2. Use an Expert

Most companies that manufacture digital assistants have customer service support to help you set up the features you’ll need. They can answer any questions you may have and can help educate you about the possibilities with your new device.

Don’t be afraid to keep calling or asking for help. These companies created the assistants to be as helpful as possible and want you to get the most out of your device.

3. Protect Yourself

Many digital assistants have features that allow you to make purchases or access your sensitive data. Platforms will require a password during setup to protect you from unlawful access.

Make sure to choose a strong password, and check the security of your device periodically. The last thing you want is your credit card or identity stolen because you didn’t adequately protect yourself during set-up.

4. Enable the Safety Features

One of the reasons digital assistants are popular is the safety features they offer. Many digital assistants have emergency features that can call for help in an accident. You can contact a staff member, a family member, or even 911 by talking to the assistant.

Some assistants even have motion detection features that will send an alert if they notice you haven’t moved in a certain amount of time. Some of these features are not set up automatically; enable them to be ready if you need them.

5. Experiment with Features

Digital assistants are an excellent senior living technology because they make your day-to-day life easier. From helpful reminders to automatic ordering, digital assistants can feel like you have your own personal assistant to help you throughout the day. Standard features of modern digital assistants include:

  • Finding information
  • Reading the weather
  • Answering questions
  • Making recommendations
  • Playing music
  • Reading books
  • Making phone calls
  • Controlling devices

And remember, there’s no need to use the digital assistant for everything right away. Start with one or two features you are comfortable with and work your way up.

6. Use Automation

One of the most helpful features of digital assistants is their ability to automatically do things for you. For example, you can set the digital assistant to read you the news and weather every morning with no reminder.

You can program it to set the thermostat higher when you leave for the day. Some assistants can even turn the lights, shut the blinds, and order more groceries. If you tend to forget to do some of your daily chores, a digital assistant can be there to help.

Embrace Senior Living Technology at Vineyard Senior Living

Vineyard Senior Living believes in empowering residents to live exactly how they want, whether totally unplugged or using technology to the fullest. Our staff is happy to support residents in setting up digital assistants, automated appliances, computers, and more. Give us a call today to learn more about our services and lifestyle.