Before the first call
What to tell the person you love, and a few small things that make the first call go smoothly.
A little preparation makes the first call feel like a chat with a friend rather than a surprise. If you can, be there for the first one.
What to tell them
- Who is calling. Rosie will call and say Rosie is calling from Companion Calls on your behalf. Rosie is a computer program, and will say so if asked.
- That the call is recorded. At the start of the first call, Rosie will ask whether recording is all right, and will wait for a yes. Every later call starts with a short reminder.
- Why. So their stories are kept for the family, in their own voice.
- That they are in charge. They can say no, end a call whenever they like, or ask not to be called again.
- When. Tell them the day and time of the first call, and the usual time after that.
Getting ready
- Answer calls from a number they may not know. Companion Calls calls from the same number every time. After the first call, save it in their phone as "Rosie" so they know who is calling.
- Pick up with a short "Hello?" Rosie listens for answering machines, and a long greeting can end the call before it starts.
- Find a quiet spot. Turn down the television and radio. If they use hearing aids, have them in.
- Speakerphone is fine, especially if you are sitting with them.
- Keep it easy. There are no right answers, and they don't need to prepare. Rosie starts the first call at the beginning: where they were born and grew up.
Tip: Hearing or speech needs? Add them to Hearing notes on the Profile tab under Manage, for example "Speak a little slowly and give her time to answer."
Choose when the first call happens
You have two choices:
- Right now, while you are with them: see Place a call now.
- At a usual time each week: set it under Manage, on the Schedule tab. Calls only happen on the days and hours you chose for them, and between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. their time.
Good to know
What if they say no on the first call? That is completely fine. Rosie says goodbye, calls are paused, and you get an email. If they change their mind later, email help@phiniti.ai and we will help turn calls back on.
Can I listen in? Yes, on speakerphone next to them. Everything said is recorded, including anything you say.