What is ElliQ, and how does it intersect with innovations in AgeTech or elder care technology? Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at a few statistics that underscore the need for these new advances in tech.
By 2021, 20% of the United States population will be over the age of 65, 87% of which wish to age in their homes. Along those lines, care costs continue increasing at a rapid rate. For example, assisted living costs have increased a staggering 68% since 2004. Many senior care advocates and experts suggest that a key component of reducing care costs is investing in technology that both reduces risk of injury and reliance on human caregivers.
For example, a 24-month study in Lincoln County, Maine, utilized a software-based artificial intelligence program that caregivers use to track care provided. The program offered reminders to caregivers and analyzed data entered to assess residents’ health statuses. The study results showed that the program led to more timely responses to health deteriorations and earlier intervention. This also led to decreased hospitalizations and nursing home transitions. Overall, the study found $400,000 in savings during the two-year period.
An issue related to aging in place is the risk of social isolation, which has been shown to increase depression, dementia, and mortality in seniors. Research shows that social engagement is vital to physical and mental health and that prolonged isolation is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes daily. To address this, Intuition Robotics created ElliQ.
Referred to as a “sidekick for happier aging,” ElliQ can engage the user in conversation, provide medication reminders, and connect seniors with family and loved ones virtually. Hardware like ElliQ may reduce the need for human caregivers by allowing for increased socialization and connectivity. Devices like ElliQ may also provide reminders to take medication, eat, and detect falls. Future devices may detect changes in physical or cognitive capacity, leading to earlier intervention and, ideally, better outcomes.
Further, technology can free human caregivers to be more efficient and, more importantly, engaged with their patients. Caregivers are often faced with the “tasks” of their jobs and the associated documentation needed to verify and support those tasks.
While technology is one component of enhancing quality care and reducing costs, it is a critical one. Exploring the tools available can provide added peace of mind for the loved ones of aging individuals.
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