How to Set Up Alexa Emergency Contact Routines for Seniors

Accidents or medical emergencies can happen anytime — especially for older adults who live alone. Alexa can act as a silent helper, ready to call or alert family members when something goes wrong.

You don’t need extra gadgets or paid subscriptions. With a few minutes of setup, Alexa can instantly contact a loved one or send an alert if your parent says, “Alexa, I need help.”

Let’s go step-by-step.

Step 1: Add emergency contacts to Alexa

To make Alexa call or message someone, that person must be saved as a contact.

1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
2. Tap Communicate at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap the Contacts icon (the person silhouette).
4. Tap the three-dot menu → Add Contact.
5. Enter the name, phone number, and (optional) email.
6. Tap Save.

You can add multiple people — family, caregiver, or neighbor.
Pick at least two contacts for redundancy in case one doesn’t answer.

Step 2: Enable Alexa calling and messaging

To let Alexa make voice calls or send text alerts, ensure these features are turned on.

1. In the Alexa app, go to More → Settings → Communication.
2. Enable Calling & Messaging.
3. Give the app permission to access your phone contacts and microphone.

Once active, Alexa can make free calls through Wi-Fi to any phone number in your region.

Step 3: Create a voice command for emergencies

Now set up a simple phrase that your parent can say if they ever need help.

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap More → Routines → + (Add New).
3. Under When this happens, choose Voice.
4. Enter a trigger phrase like:

“Alexa, I need help.”
or
“Alexa, call my son.”

Then move to the action step below.

Step 4: Add the emergency action

Under Add Action, choose one or more of the following:

• Communication → Call → select your contact.
• Communication → Send Announcement → Alexa will announce across all devices in the home, e.g., “Emergency! Please check on Mom.”
• Alexa Says → Custom → type your message like “Help is on the way.”

You can stack multiple actions so Alexa both calls and announces at the same time.

Example Routine Setup:

• Trigger: “Alexa, I need help.”
• Actions:
  1. Call Daughter
  2. Announce “Emergency alert triggered.”
  3. Say “Help is on the way.”

Tap Save.

Step 5: Test the routine safely

Before relying on it, test everything.

Say:

“Alexa, I need help.”

The contact should receive a call or message immediately.
Ask them to confirm they got it and heard your message clearly.

If it doesn’t work:

• Double-check that Alexa calling is enabled.
• Ensure Wi-Fi is connected.
• Verify the contact’s number is correct.

Run the test again until it works every time.

Step 6: Label or print a reminder

For seniors, memory support helps.
Print a small label and place it near the Alexa device:

“Say: Alexa, I need help.”
You can even tape it to the wall beside the speaker.

If your parent wears hearing aids or glasses, make sure the Alexa device is placed nearby — on a bedside table or living room shelf.

Step 7: Optional — Add location sharing (for caregivers)

While Alexa itself can’t send GPS data, you can combine it with a smartphone or smartwatch that supports Alexa Together or Echo Connect (available in some countries).

If you set up Alexa Together, caregivers can:

• Get notifications when routines trigger.
• Receive drop-in access to check on the user.
• See daily activity summaries.

If you’re setting this up for sale purposes, mention in your blog that these are optional upgrades for families who want extra safety.

Step 8: Troubleshooting common issues

Problem: Alexa says “I can’t make that call.”
→ Check that the contact has a valid phone number.

Problem: Alexa doesn’t respond to the emergency phrase.
→ Re-record the routine trigger in the app and try a simpler phrase.

Problem: No announcement plays on other Echo devices.
→ Go to Device Settings → Communication → Announcements → Enable.

Step 9: Keep it tested monthly

Technology updates can reset permissions or disconnect Wi-Fi.
Advise seniors or caregivers to test the routine once a month — just like checking smoke alarms.

Say the command, wait for the call, and confirm it works.
It could make all the difference in a real emergency.

Conclusion

Alexa routines can save lives.
They offer seniors independence — and give families peace of mind.

It only takes five minutes to set up, and no subscription is needed.
Once tested and labeled, your parent can simply say,

“Alexa, I need help,”
and know that help will reach them instantly.

Next article: 25 Simple Alexa Commands Every Senior Should Know