In an increasingly digital world, the adoption of technology to support older adults is crucial for enhancing their quality of life and social inclusion. Despite the growing interest in voice-based artificial intelligence (VAI) chatbots, there is limited understanding of how older adults in retirement homes independently navigate these technologies, including the barriers they face and the potential impact on social connections. This preliminary usability study aims to explore the acceptance, usability, and concerns of older adults regarding the VAI assistant Alfred during its independent use, focusing on usage patterns, privacy concerns, and its exploratory self-reported influence on social connection, loneliness, and quality of life. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research collected quantitative and qualitative data at three intervals (pre-, peri-, and post-intervention). Key findings reveal that initial curiosity and a sense of duty drive engagement with Alfred, older adults in retirement homes perceive VAI chatbots as promising tools for enhancing daily life, with hopes for innovative solutions to support aging populations. Participants responded positively to Alfred, appreciating its voice quality and group usability, while suggesting improvements for accessibility and envisioning its role in fostering social connections, especially for vulnerable individuals. The preliminary study underscores the importance of addressing usability issues to enhance acceptance and independent use among older adults. By identifying optimization potential for Alfred based on these insights, the project contributes to establishing an innovative solution for fostering digital inclusion and social connection in aging populations.