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:
Minneapolis, Minn. — What started as a personal need for a wife and mother diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease has now developed into BoundaryCare, an innovative way to foster aging-in-place and independence for vulnerable and older adults.
BoundaryCare is an app for the Apple Watch. Specially adapted for the needs of seniors, it silently gathers information about safety and wellness, sharing this data with caregivers when necessary. BoundaryCare can:
CHICAGO, June 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Maplewood Senior Living's Vice President of Health and Wellness, Brian Geyser, APRN-BC, MSN, was recently tapped by Lincoln Healthcare Leadership (LHL) - an organization dedicated to fostering innovation in senior living, long-term care, and home care - for inclusion in their newest symposium known as the Innovation Roundtable.
CABIN JOHN, MD (May 9, 2023) – RAZ Mobility (www.razmobility.com), a provider of mobile assistive technology, released a major update to the RAZ Memory Cell Phone that adds video calling capability, and other features, that significantly enhance the device for both seniors and caregivers.
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. 