I've been using Alexa to turn lights on and off without getting up for a while, but just found another use.
Having been left living on my own, and with limited mobility and fear of falling, I was looking at various alarm systems to call my family in emergency. I realised I already had one, with Echo Dots
I just have to say..."Alexa, call Pete", or whoever, and she rings his mobile and I can talk hands free.
I have tested the range, and one in the living room can 'hear' me from the hall and downstairs shower; one in the kitchen covers the dining room; and one in the conservatory covers that and the utility room, so I have the whole ground floor covered.
They are only £20 each at the moment, and with all the family numbers in, I feel much safer.
And I can have radio 4 wherever I fancy; and check the temperature; and play music; and control the lights; and..........