Bay Aging is announcing a new community initiative in collaboration with USAging and Ring to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. On May 1st, USAging announced the national collaboration with Ring that included the donation of 5,000 Ring devices, including Ring Video Doorbells and Stick-Up Cams, and a free subscription for the life of each device to 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) located across the country. Bay Aging is one of the recipients of this donation and will be receiving 500 devices.
“We’re excited to kick off this partnership with Ring, which aligns perfectly with Bay Aging’s mission to support older adults in living safely and independently.” said Bay Aging President and CEO, Kathy Vesley. “By incorporating innovative technology like Ring’s smart home devices, we can help ensure that seniors feel secure in their homes and communities.”
“One day, I had a strange knock on my door and found a man crouched outside my apartment,” said Bay Aging Apartment Resident, Lenuna Binkley. “I called the sheriff, and the apartment manager later told me the same guy had been around someone else’s apartment too. The manager and the sheriff took care of it. When I told my son, he was horrified and said, ‘Mom, I should get you a Ring!’ I told him, ‘No, you’re not spending any more money!’ But now that I have it, I’m so happy—I can see who’s at the door, and even down the sidewalk!”
Ring launched its first AAA partnership December 2021 with Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas in Florida to support and empower older adults. In December 2022, Ring and the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging launched a statewide initiative donating more than 2,000 Ring and Amazon devices to each of the 11 AAAs throughout Florida. Recipients and their caregivers reported that the Two-Way Talk and Live View features, which allow customers to respond in real time and see and talk with anyone on the other end of the camera, provided an increased sense of safety and peace of mind. To date, we’ve heard from our Florida AAAs how much older adults can benefit from technology and how the devices make them feel:
- One caregiver said “I actually signed up for my mother and several of her neighbors who are also [older adults] because I thought it was needed to help them feel safe [and] they are enjoying being able to see who’s at their door.”
- A staff member from ElderSource donated a Ring doorbell and Echo Show to a couple in their 80s. While the wife was delighted to be able to see who was at the door without leaving the comfort of her couch, the husband was particularly thrilled with being able to connect the Ring and Echo together. He was able to turn Alexa to full volume and instead of missing the doorbell, Alexa would alert him twice that there was movement at the front door. It’s the first technological item that he’s appreciated in his 80 years of living.
“Since 2021, we’ve supported Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) throughout the country and have learned how eager seniors are to use technology that is accessible, convenient and helps increase peace of mind as they age independently at home,” said Karla Torres, Head of Community Engagement at Amazon Devices & Services. “We are proud to support 10 additional AAAs and provide Ring technology for seniors in each community. We look forward to collaborating and learning alongside AAAs and ensuring that Amazon technology continues to support the needs of all users.”
Ring cameras are currently being distributed to a wide range of Bay Aging clients. Bay Aging’s housing services assisted 410 individuals across 12 service-enriched rental communities, while our broader programs fostered independence and dignity for a total of 34,439 people in 2023. To learn more about Bay Aging’s impactful services, accomplishments, and dedication to improving the quality of life in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, visit our website to view the Annual Report or contact us at (804) 758-2386 to request your copy today.
About USAging
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Ring
Since its founding in 2014, Ring has been on a mission to connect customers to the people, places and things most important to them. First known for its iconic Video Doorbell, Ring now offers customizable solutions compatible with just about any home or business, from cameras and an award-winning alarm system to smart lighting and a wide range of accessories. Core to the experience is the Ring app, empowering customers to stay connected no matter where they are, because distance shouldn’t separate people from what they care about. Ring is an Amazon company. For more information, visit www.ring.com.
