Forum Discussion

allenjr's avatar
allenjr
Reel Rookie
2 years ago

Control ROKU TV remotely for mom with dementia

My Mom has a ROKU TV and dementia. When her caregiver is off. She will call me to help with her remote. This is a 45 to 90 minute phone call. Shen can not find the remote and/or the correct buttons. I am on the same ISP but a different Wifi. Her phone will control her TV.

Is there a universal remote or a way to put a show on her TV. Even though I an a block away?

Is there a device or a port forwarding or VPN setup that will let me control the TV remotely?

Also I have amazon Aleza I have not been able to control Roku well from Alexa, but if this has gotten better this may be a solution?

Also can I setup up shortcuts on the IPhone to start her shows?

No matter what I will be on the phone with her to verify that the app I start launches.

 

 

3 Replies

  • mrsunshine's avatar
    mrsunshine
    Newbie
    7 months ago

    I struggle with this need too. I'm thinking of connecting a Raspberry Pi to a Roku Remote. The Raspberry Pi will emulate keypad presses and send the signal to the Roku Remote. To control the Pi+Remote from a distance, the Raspberry Pi will monitor an email address. I can send an email containing button press sequences. The Raspberry Pi will detect the email and convert the button press sequences to keypad presses to the Roku Remote. I can have a file of different sequences for example (1) turning on the TV to a certain channel (2) changing the volume (3) logging in to a pay channel. This is an early idea; I'm looking for other ideas before committing to a plan.

    • allenjr's avatar
      allenjr
      Reel Rookie
      7 months ago

      I think I may have found an easier way.

      Do you take remote control of their laptop?

      Is their laptop on the same Wi-Fi network as Roku?

      If so, you can install the Windows 11 Roku remote control app on the laptop, then remote control into their laptop and Bob’s your uncle. 

    • allenjr's avatar
      allenjr
      Reel Rookie
      7 months ago

      The app name is RRemote and you have to enable a setting on your Roku TV.  Settings/system/advanced system settings/control by mobile apps/network access and set it to enabled