Using Virtual Home Assistants to Address Vulnerable Adults' Complex Care Needs: An Exploratory Feasibility Study

Abstract

Harnessing technology has been proposed as one strategy to meet the social and health needs of older adults who prefer to age in place, but solutions remain elusive. In the current study, we evaluated the feasibility of using voice-activated virtual home assistants (VHAs; i.e., Amazon Echo “Alexa” devices) with older adults participating in the Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) over 4 months. Study methods included process evaluations, tracking participants' VHA use, and qualitative feedback from PACE participants and staff. The most common VHA activities were voice-activated smart lighting and asking for information. Participants infrequently used VHA activities that could promote physical or cognitive function (e.g., chair yoga, word recall game). Participants enjoyed using the VHAs, and PACE staff were enthusiastic about the potential for VHAs to facilitate aging in place and provided recommendations to increase participants' use of functional health activities. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49 (6), 33–40.]

Understanding older people's voice interactions with smart voice assistants: a new modified rule-based natural language processing model with human input

“…The adoption and usage of Smart Voice Assistants (SVA), such as Amazon Alexa™, Google Assistant™, or Apple Siri™, have experienced widespread popularity in recent years. These intelligent voice assistants with natural language processing technologies offer a user-friendly interface, requiring minimal technological expertise, thus making them accessible to and usable for older adults with varying levels of digital literacy ( 10 , 11 , 12 ). As older individuals seek ways to improve communication with family members, enjoy entertainment, and engage socially, many are turning to AI-powered SVA devices ( 13 , 14 ), gradually replacing traditional information and communication technologies (ICT) like online platforms, email, smartphones, and iPads.…”

“…Furthermore, around 40% of this age group utilize smart devices, including smartphones and voice assistants, to communicate with medical practitioners for various healthcare purposes, such as telehealth consultations, prescription orders, receiving personalized medical advice, and scheduling appointments ( 16 ). Research suggests using SVAs can even help older adults improve their health, reducing perceptions of loneliness and pain, and increasing social support and social connectedness ( 10 , 11 , 17 ).…”