The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County, or AAABC, last week said it is working with Intuition Robotics to add the ElliQ intelligent care companion to its services to help older adults age in place. The agency has launched its online application to identify eligible people in Florida's Broward County who would benefit from the technology.
“We have long recognized the significance of technology in keeping older adults connected and engaged with their communities,” said Charlotte Mather-Taylor, CEO of AAABC, in a press release.
“As we continue to expand our range of tech-powered initiatives for seniors in Broward County, we are thrilled to partner with Intuition Robotics and incorporate the groundbreaking AI technology of ElliQ,” she added. “This device does not replace interactions with human caretakers, but it can facilitate communication and focus on what matters to all of us: memories, family and friends, good health, and humor.”
ElliQ provides companionship, connection
Founded in 2016, Intuition Robotics said ElliQ is a proactive care companion intended to empower older adults to live happier, healthier, and more independent lives at home. The Ramat Gan, Israel-based company said its robotic system can help keep users engaged and informed while alleviating the effects of loneliness and social isolation.
ElliQ has a digital display and a light-up “head” that moves and reacts to users' conversations, said Intuition Robotics. The voice-activated device offers wellness support, such as medication reminders, as well as entertainment and companionship with trivia and cognitive games, it claimed.
Seniors can also stay connected to family and friends through video calling, audio and text messaging, and notification to primary contacts with consent if concerns arise. ElliQ learns and remembers customized interactions, and it uses humor and friendly interactions to build meaningful connections with its users, according to Intuition Robotics.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County to bring ElliQ to the aging community of Florida,” stated Dor Skuler, co-founder and CEO of Intuition Robotics. “We're getting positive feedback from ElliQ users across the U.S. and are seeing great results, with 90% of users reporting ElliQ has made them feel better mentally and physically.”
“With the continued toll loneliness is taking on the health of older adults aging alone, it's vital for local communities and tech companies to come together to make solutions like ElliQ accessible to more people,” he said.
Intuition Robotics has won several awards for its work with ElliQ including Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies and the CES “Best of Innovation” award. Investors in the company include Toyota Ventures, Samsung NEXT, iRobot, OurCrowd, and Terra Ventures, as well as venture capital firms from California, Israel, Japan, and Asia.
AAABC accepting applications
The Broward County initiative is now accepting online applications. Those eligible to get an ElliQ for free are English-speaking adults ages 60 and older, with Wi-Fi in residence and with no significant impairments, said Intuition Robotics.
The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County is sponsored by the Areawide Council on Aging of Broward County and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. It is the nonprofit organization responsible for planning, coordinating, monitoring, and funding programs designed to meet the needs of over 476,486 year-round Broward senior residents including an elder helpline, Medicare counseling, and health and wellness classes.
As a prime advocate for local older Americans, the AAABC contracts with administering organizations for senior centers, senior day care, site meals, and home-delivered meals. It also contracts for Alzheimer’s in-home and facility respite, minor in-home repair, legal, transportation, homemaker personal care, emergency response, and case management.
In addition to ElliQ, AAABC's senior technology programs offers animatronic companion pets and discounted broadband services to low-income households. It also provides engaging content and wireless tablets tailored for seniors, as well as round-the-clock medical communication.
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