Tackling Covid-19’s social isolation of seniors – one tech at a time

Saving seniors from Covid-19 requires worsening isolation. In an article in the NY Times, Paula Span’s title said it all: Just What Older People Didn’t Need: More Isolation. The article attempts a number of references to mitigation, including the use of GrandPad in two Pace programs. These are compelling, but the overall story is about the oldest on the wrong side of the Digital Divide, which is notable and particularly pitiful in settings like nursing homes, Note in the Johns Hopkins Covid-19 guidance about nursing homes, at the very end, authors acknowledge the risk of social isolation and make a few (lame) recommendations. These do not include, unfortunately, providing usable technologies to connect isolated seniors with families. What might they be to help with loneliness? Here are six that businesses and non-profits serving older adults should provide for each of their constituents. Please nominate another six -- especially consider those with dementia.

GrandPad. "GrandPad^® is designed with seniors in mind – the innovative device comes with features for connecting with loved ones, without the complicated features of other tablets. The large buttons and intuitive interface make the GrandPad a simple tablet for seniors who are ready to start video chatting and sharing memories with family and friends around the world. Built-in Wi-Fi and private data sharing family network." Learn more at GrandPad.net.

Claris Companion. "We believe that everyone (especially older seniors) deserve to be connected with friends, family and caregivers online – even if they’re uncomfortable using technology. We designed the Claris Companion tablet for seniors living at home so their family can connect with them socially using email and text messages, photos, and videos, while caregivers can receive alerts and monitor compliance with medications, treatments, and important appointments.” Learn more at Claris Companion.

Ageless Innovation. "JOY FOR ALL Companion Pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship, and fun to elder loved ones. Our interactive cats and pup are all about an ease-of-care and convenience that pairs with technology for the best possible experience. The pets can help calm anxiety and soothe those that are agitated, increase quality of life for those with dementia or who are socially isolated, and can improve behavior without the use of drugs." Learn more at Ageless Innovation.

GreatCall Jitterbug Smart2 and Link App. "The simple list-based navigation makes it easy to find what you need with large easy-to-read letters and numbers. GreatCall Link helps keep friends and family updated on your health and safety. After they download the free app -- and with your permission -- they will receive an alert on their smartphone if you call 5Star, let them know if the device is running low on battery, check your daily activities, and let them know your location." Learn more at GreatCall.

Echo Show. "Drop In is a feature that lets you instantly connect with an Echo device, including a contact's, as long as they have granted permission for you to do so. For instance, you can Drop In on any Echo device you own, or you can Drop In on a Echo device that your parents own. When you Drop In on an Echo device, the device's light ring will pulse green and then the device will bleep and bloop automatically connect. You will be able to hear anything within range of the device. Similarly, if you and your contact are using Echo devices with screens, you both will see anything within range of your devices." Learn more at Pocket-Lint. 

OneClick.chat. "Research funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has shaped the design of our products, making them easy for older adults to use. Our aim is to help reduce social isolation in this population and mitigate the associated negative health outcomes. Our Live Video Events platform is ideal to connect older adults and caregivers for training, support, and social engagement. We are currently working with organizations in the longevity market to implement our research in real-world settings." Learn more at OneClick.chat.

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