Before receiving my first Alexa-enabled smart display as a Christmas gift in 2019, I had reservations about the device. The idea of having a camera inside an Amazon device raised privacy concerns, and I was hesitant to trust it. However, the circumstances changed drastically when my mom fell ill during the pandemic.
My mom has been living with Parkinson’s disease, a debilitating neurological disorder, for years. Initially, her symptoms were manageable, and she could even go for runs at the gym. But when the pandemic hit, her condition took a dramatic turn for the worse. Suddenly, she struggled to walk for more than ten minutes, and her overall health deteriorated rapidly.
As the pandemic unfolded, my mom’s hospitalizations became more frequent, and her list of medications continued to grow. Each day seemed more overwhelming than the last. I found myself thrust into the role of a caregiver during the most isolated time in modern history. My lack of experience and fear of making mistakes added to the challenges I faced.
With no physical support available due to quarantine restrictions, I turned to Alexa for assistance. Surprisingly, I discovered that this device could be helpful in ways I had not anticipated.
One particular incident stands out. My mom was on the verge of another hypertensive crisis, and I wanted to avoid taking her to the hospital due to the risk of exposing her to COVID-19. I searched desperately for something to lower her blood pressure and stumbled upon a rather unconventional idea. In a moment of desperation, I asked Alexa to play fart sounds. The absurdity of the situation brought unexpected laughter to my mom, and her blood pressure miraculously dropped to a healthy level. This experience sparked my interest in exploring other ways Alexa could assist us.
I soon discovered that Alexa offered numerous features specifically designed to help the sick and elderly. I utilized Alexa to set medication reminders for my mom, a task that had become increasingly challenging as her memory declined. Additionally, I taught my mom how to use Alexa to control the lights when I wasn’t present. Over time, Alexa became a familiar presence in our home, providing comfort and companionship to my mom. She would often engage in light-hearted conversations with Alexa or find joy in its antics. Witnessing these interactions brought warmth to my heart and a smile to my face, regardless of the difficulties we were facing.
Although I still maintain a level of skepticism and avoid certain activities in front of Alexa, my perception of the device has changed entirely. It has become my favorite gadget, despite lingering trust issues. Alexa helped me navigate the challenges of becoming a caregiver, providing not only practical support but also emotional companionship for my mom and me. During an unprecedented pandemic when physical presence was limited, Alexa became a helping hand and a storehouse of knowledge, albeit for a peculiar subject like farts.
My initial suspicions towards Alexa as a device with privacy concerns were completely transformed when circumstances forced me to rely on it as a caregiver. The unexpected assistance and companionship Alexa provided during a pandemic proved invaluable. Despite my continued caution, Alexa has become an integral part of our lives, reminding us that technology can serve as a lifeline, even in the most challenging of times.
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