![Ruth Langsford sat at a kitchen worktop with an Alexa device next to her](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/9b21ef3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1689x1126+156+0/resize/300x200!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fba%2F77%2F0f36ffa6407b9144789848ca42ee%2Famazon-devices-dementia.png) # How Amazon Alexa can help with dementia caregiving *Discover ways Amazon Alexa may be able to assist you in your role as a carer.* It's estimated that more than 700,000 people in the UK are currently providing unpaid care for someone with dementia. Research by UK charity [Dementia Carers Count](https://dementiacarers.org.uk/) found that 71% of unpaid carers lack adequate support, with over a third (36%) describing their role as a 24/7 responsibility. [Alexa](https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/devices/amazon-echo-alexa-guide) can lend a small but meaningful hand through reminders, video check-ins, or routine management tools when resources are limited. ![Sam Thompson with Alexa device](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/c164c07/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1688x1125+156+0/resize/300x200!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F88%2F1c%2F2feb05054cdc992e41610cc7136c%2Fuk-hero-adhd-samthompson.jpg) - [Sam Thompson shares how Alexa can support those with ADHD](https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/devices/alexa-adhd-sam-thompson) Working with the charity, we have developed a comprehensive guide that highlights key Alexa features, such as Drop In and advanced scheduling tools, to help carers manage daily routines and feel more supported in their role. The following guide was developed based on insights from focus groups with unpaid carers and expert panels including dementia nursing specialists, clinical psychologists, and counsellors. **Here's how Amazon Alexa can help with dementia caregiving.** With **adaptive listening**, you have more time to finish speaking before Alexa starts to respond. ![Older woman baking in bright kitchen with rainbow artwork](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/1fad8bf/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1126+0+0/resize/767x432!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fc4%2Fbd%2Fa6d4e93f42f980c448c8a2895a78%2F03-lidar31-grandma-diningtable-0387-so.jpg) You can ask Alexa to adjust the **speaking rate** to your preference. [Amazon Echo Show](https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/devices/amazon-launches-echo-show-21-new-echo-show-15) users can use Amazon Photos to turn their device home screen into a **digital photo frame** with Alexa. ![Smart display showing grocery list on wooden side table with plant](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/f92be53/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1125+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fc3%2F11%2Fcb620d7d4ecdb4b94df7d2fda0ad%2F12-shopping-list-bishop-sw1.jpg) You can increase the **font size** on your Echo Show. To increase the font size on an Echo Show device, you'll need to adjust the accessibility settings. You can ask Alexa **general questions**. ![Man in blue shirt examining food label while seated at desk](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/3db304e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F0e%2Fb2%2Fde2620334fd49e888837c723e09a%2Fafe-showandtell-identifyproducts.jpg) **Show And Tell** is an accessibility feature that identifies common pantry items and other things using the Echo Show's camera. Alexa **reminders** can be used as helpful audio or visual nudges throughout the day. Users can set reminders for appointments, meals, hydration, or daily routines. ![Modern kitchen counter with teal coffee maker and Echo Dot smart speaker](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/1f119ec/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1125+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fc8%2F44%2F8a34a0ae499bb98af2b235bb5b77%2Fsmart-plug.jpg) **Amazon Smart Plugs** work with Alexa to add voice control to any electrical socket. Schedule lights, coffee machines, and other appliances to turn on and off automatically, or control them remotely when you're away through the Alexa app. You can create custom **playlists** of videos, podcasts, or songs focused on memories or interests. You will need to have a music streaming service account for this feature. ![Amazon Echo device displaying 'Electric Soul' by Sam on Amazon Music](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/b04e3ec/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1333+0+0/resize/767x511!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fbc%2Ff9%2F2530222e4e44af36b32cca69fd61%2Fweb-hero-feature005-amazon-echo-spot-echo-spot-music-copy-2550x1434.jpg) Use [Alexa to **play music**](https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/devices/alexa-multi-room-music-set-up), podcasts, or ambient **sounds** whilst noisy appliances are being used. You can also play white noise to relax. Background sounds can help mask potentially distressing noises from appliances and create a calming atmosphere. Use the **calendar** to visually organise tasks and activities on Alexa screens or via voice prompts. ![Father and daughter engaging in virtual call via Echo device by sunny window](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/898ad47/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1942x1126+0+0/resize/767x445!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F98%2F59%2F8ddfa77144a6a7d4a41a76a12e86%2F03-1-call-captioning-crown-sw2.jpg) Alexa’s **Drop In** feature works like an intercom to allow instant, two-way conversations between compatible Alexa-enabled devices within the home or with designated contacts who have granted permission. Add items to **shopping lists** with your voice but keep a record on your phone via the Alexa app and tick off products on the go! ![Echo smart home device showing 'Good Morning Routine' schedule](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/0aba622/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1125+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Faf%2F01%2Fc981cabf4793b31bb470f877230c%2F17-1b-routines-crown-sw2.jpg) [**Alexa Routines**](https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/devices/best-alexa-routines) streamline daily tasks by combining multiple Alexa commands into a single, automated sequence of actions that can be triggered with one command. Think of them like personalised shortcuts, so you don’t have to ask for each action individually e.g. you could say “Alexa, goodnight” to have Alexa turn off your smart home lights, set your alarm, and activate white noise for sleep. You can connect your Amazon Echo Show to your [**Ring**](https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/devices/ring-video-doorbell) device and use Alexa voice commands to do the following (and more): - Receive instant alerts that someone is at your front door - See who is at your door through Live View feed - Speak to visitors using Two Way Talk ![A woman looking at her Echo Show](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/7c47010/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1688x1125+156+0/resize/300x200!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F8b%2Fdb%2Fdb6d3de34e75b0d0d78baab0737a%2Fabout-amazon-hero-echoshow15-2021-ca-en-fr-btf-r-pack7-1.jpg) - [Amazon Echo and Alexa: What are the differences and how do they work?](https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/devices/amazon-echo-alexa-guide) Find out more on the [Dementia Carers Count website](https://dementiacarers.org.uk/). And read more of the [latest news at Amazon](https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news).