Project: VITAL: Alzheimer’s Association, state keep seniors connected with loved ones

JACKSONVILLE — The Alzheimer’s Association is proud to partner with the state of Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs to keep seniors connected with loved ones during social isolation.

Through Project: VITAL (Virtual Inclusion Technology for All), senior-friendly tablets from engagement technology provider iN2L have been distributed to nursing homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs) throughout the state.

“There are more than 580,000 people in Florida living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Approximately two-thirds of the people living in ALFs have some form of dementia,” said Alzheimer’s Association Florida Regional Leader Angela McAuley. “Project: VITAL has provided the association the opportunity to extend our reach to not just those living with dementia, but to all seniors in Florida who are vulnerable to the negative effects of social isolation.”

During the initial pilot phase, the Alzheimer’s Association worked with 150 care communities, supplying two tablets per community, as well as virtual training on how to use the equipment and platform. The tablets are preloaded with software programming from iN2L, enabling residents to connect with their loved ones via video chat with a simple tap on the home screen.

The tablet further fosters connection with family by creating individual profiles for every resident, with the added ability for family to add personal photos and videos to those profiles for residents to view whenever they like.

Also included on the tablet is an expansive, easily personalized library of applications that supports cognitive, emotional, social, physical and spiritual wellness for the ultimate person-centered engagement experience.

“We are excited to be working alongside the Alzheimer’s Association to provide the technology and tools for Project: VITAL.” said Lisa Taylor, iN2L CEO. “We know how important meaningful connection is to older adults’ health and well-being, and during COVID-19, it is absolutely critical.

“Our tablets are a connection care package for senior living residents, equipped with one-touch video chat tools for virtual family visits, as well as over 1,000 content applications to connect residents to their interests and passions — all designed to keep them healthy, happy and entertained during these uncertain times and beyond,” Taylor said. “We are thrilled that more seniors in the state of Florida will benefit from this solution.”

“We’re hoping the use of these customized tablets will facilitate critical connections with the families — especially during these times — but, we want to use them for sustainable models for the future,” said Richard Prudom, secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. “We want to ensure the safety of our vulnerable seniors while keeping their loved ones connected.”

The first 50 tablets were shipped on Friday, April 24, with the remaining 100 tablets following on May 1.