ehavioral tech platform Rippl has acquired a startup aimed at providing information and services for dementia caregivers in its ongoing quest to broaden and deepen its memory care-related services.
Rippl acquired the startup, Kinto, in last month. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
In the coming months, Rippl will integrate technology developed by Kinto from the last two years to improve Rippl’s virtual patient and family experience, according to Rippl co-founder and CEO Kris Engskov.
The show is over, the press dispersed, the awards won. CES 2024 is over, with 135,000 attendees, and AI as the story of the show, and according to AARP, offering the promise of better aging and even helping to fix the caregiving crisis. These assertions have been made before, of course. Consider 2020, right before the start of COVID-19. Or CES 2019, when Google Assistant was everywhere and today, when it appears to be ‘going down the tubes.’ In tech, nothing is forever. CES can provide an opportunity to put a new face, new version, on products that appeared previously (see Nobi and Zibrio Advantage below.) CES 2024 brought ten offerings of new tech for older adults into view. And from the same show, here are 8 more:
Social isolation has become an insidious problem among older adults. It’s at the point where the surgeon general recently declared it to be a serious health risk: "29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Additionally, lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%. Certainly one factor is the growth in the number of older adults living alone, including 44% of women aged 75+. Technology’s role in mitigating it is being studied in research programs and healthcare. In one study of studies, the authors concluded that while it seems apparent that it can be helpful, specific technologies were not studied separately. In another pilot program, Talking Tech, participants were surveyed as being less lonely following increased technology literacy and access to tools to connect with others and boost social interactions. And in New York State, the rollout of AI companion robot ElliQ to 800 seniors reportedly resulted in a "95% reduction in loneliness."
And in other news, CMS really wants older adults with dementia to remain in their homes. The government agency seems to have given up on improving the quality or affordability of dementia care in senior living or nursing homes. The new GUIDE program will support caregivers and ‘enable people living with dementia to remain in their homes and communities.’ But is that the best setting for dementia care? No way to share meals with others, access staff-run activities, and build on the expertise of caring for people with dementia that the senior-related industries already established? Never mind enabling caregivers to enter a robust job market away from their homes. Just asking. Here are the posts:
New progress for dementia care.Home Care Magazine provided details about the just-announced Dementia Care policy changes, called theGUIDE Model, including care coordination services, support and payment to family caregivers to help keep care recipients out of nursing homes, as well as obtain respite help. This is an 8-year program, and a part of the CMS Innovation initiatives. Notably, the GUIDE Model currently does not note or suggest any of the available technology, including home automation, that could improve dementia care. So here are five new technology offerings or update announcements, information from company websites or news media, that may help in the care of those with dementia:
The pace of innovation in tech for older adults accelerated in 2023. New product announcements, 
And in other news, CMS really wants older adults with dementia to remain in their homes. The government agency seems to have given up on improving the quality or affordability of dementia care in senior living or nursing homes. The new 
New progress for dementia care. 