AARP Echo Program With support from the AARP Foundation and Amazon, the Amazon Echo Program began in 2017 at three of NHPF’s senior properties. Through this partnership, Operation Pathways has made significant strides in offering senior residents technology services that allow them to stay connected to the world, producing positive outcomes, including health, well-being, and a greater sense of community. AARP granted funding to purchase Amazon Echo devices for residents who were interested in participating in this study. To receive an Amazon Echo device, residents would need to participate in surveys and focus groups to offer feedback about the ways in which they used the Amazon Echo devices and how they felt the technology has helped them to make and maintain social connections. Irene Hawker saw this as an exciting opportunity. Ms. Hawker had just returned home from a rehabilitation facility following a fall two months prior while out grocery shopping. She was recovering well, but now relied on a walker to help her with balance when walking around her apartment. Over the years, the resident services coordinator had seen many seniors like Ms. Hawker become depressed and less social as they lost mobility. Irene Hawker was certainly a perfect candidate to receive an Amazon Echo device to keep her engaged. After receiving her Amazon Echo device and initial training, Ms. Hawker was ready to try it out. All she had to do was remember to say “Alexa” first and then make her request. She asked Alexa to play songs that were popular in 1949, back when she was 15 years old. Hearing the songs of her youth brought back so many wonderful memories and stories of her past. She couldn’t wait to share these newly remembered stories with her friends when they played cards later in the week. She also used the Amazon Echo device to remind her to take her medication.
Twice every day Alexa says, “Irene, this is a reminder to take your medication.” And Irene dutifully does just that. In the next Amazon Echo device training session, Ms. Hawker learned that her Amazon Echo device could speak to other Amazon Echo devices in their housing community. When she returned to her apartment, she noticed that her Amazon Echo device had a yellow ring around the top, which she learned meant she had a message waiting for her. She asked Alexa to play her messages, and she then heard the voice of her resident services coordinator telling her that there would be an ice cream social in the community room in her building that evening after dinner. Irene Hawker had fun that night at the social and then returned to her apartment to get ready for bed. As she got into bed that night, she said, “Alexa . . . goodnight.” Alexa responded, “Goodnight Irene.”
FISCAL YEAR 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 5
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