Using Voice and Touchscreen Controlled Smart Speakers to Protect Vulnerable Clients in Long-Term Care Facilities

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services restricted long-term care facility visitation to only essential personnel during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The Maryland Department of Human Services distributed Amazon Echoshow 8 voice and touchscreen controlled smart speakers (VTCSS) to a sample of their institutionalized guardianship clients to enhance caseworker access during the pandemic.

This pilot study focused on understanding VTCSS use challenges and the effects on clients' safety and well-being. Two focus groups were conducted with caseworkers (N = 16) who piloted the devices. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using open and axial coding.

Four themes were identified, including challenges to providing casework during the pandemic (e.g., facility technology gaps), challenges to device installation and use (e.g., privacy concerns), strategies for overcoming challenges (e.g., alert features), and benefits (e.g., stimulation, care monitoring) and uses (e.g., enhanced access, entertainment).

VTCSS show great promise to engage the client, maintain visual access, and monitor quality of care. However, facilitating access to such technology requires planning and training before installation.