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Comment by walterbell | Hacker News Reader

Alexa has worked well for remote support of blind/elderly/disabled:

  landline call/answer via Echo Connect
  voice/timer power control of lights/fans/aircon
  voice-controlled microwave
  motion detection to orient blind person
  FM radio streaming via TuneIn
  cable TV control /w Logitech Harmony
  hourly chime + time announcement
  remote maintenance of phonebook
  remote-initiated audio or video call
  remote cough monitoring
  remote notification of motion/activity

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Yeah, stuff like this was the most interesting use case for me but a company like Amazon doesn't want to market its new, supposedly cool device as a speaking clock for the elderly, or a weather app for blind folks, even though it's super useful for both. I have never wanted one but have been cheered by the division's (apparent) success because I knew lots of people who are left behind by tech a lot found these things very useful.

Alexa was very helpful with my inlaws. We had them scattered throughout the house in case of falls. Neither of them would wear the life alert necklace. What I never found was a good app for medication reminders.

A timed "routine" could announce text (150 characters) from some/all devices. Slow setup via Alexa app, but possible.

Have you tried the WebMD app/skill? https://www.webmd.com/webmd-medreminders-syncing

I use them as for when my housemate and wife, who both have disabilities and are fall risks, need help. All they need to do is call for help. I set myself as the emergency contact, so my cell phone and other Echo devices will tell me that they need help.

For medication reminders and dosing, we use Hero Health devices. https://herohealth.com/

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