Older Dunn County adults now can sign up for a free “companion robot” from the county Aging and Disability Resource Center through a one-year pilot project.
“This initiative is part of a broader effort of the ADRC of Dunn County to enhance social connection, promote independence and improve the well-being of elderly individuals aging in place,” said Tracy Fischer, Dunn County ADRC manager.
The robot, ElliQ, is powered by artificial intelligence and is in thousands of older adults’ homes across the nation, Fischer said. It was created to support older adults through daily check-ins, wellness guidance, social engagement and access to services.
ElliQ, created by Intuition Robotics, can engage older adults in meaningful conversations, offer reminders for medications and appointments, suggest wellness activities, and provide companionship through interactive dialogue. Unlike other smart technologies that react to commands, ElliQ initiates interactions and builds personalized context to enhance engagement.
According to an Associated Press story on the device:
“The device, which looks like a small table lamp, has an eyeless, mouthless head that lights up and swivels. It remembers each user’s interests and their conversations, helping tailor future chats, which can be as deep as the meaning of life or as light as the horoscope.
“ElliQ tells jokes, plays music and provides inspirational quotes. On an accompanying video screen, it provides tours of cities and museums. The device leads exercises, asks about the owner’s health and gives reminders to take medications and drink water. It can also host video calls and contact relatives, friends or doctors in an emergency.”
Fischer said that 95 percent of ElliQ users reported decreased loneliness, and 75 percent reported that ElliQ helped them feel more socially connected.
“Dunn County is proud to offer cutting-edge technology like ElliQ to the older residents of Wisconsin,” Fischer said. “By providing this AI companion, we are giving older adults a resource to maintain their independence, stay socially connected and enhance their overall well-being.”
A 2023 advisory issued by the Surgeon General underscored the dangers of social isolation, linking loneliness to severe health risks, including cognitive decline and increased healthcare costs.
This Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dunn County program is available through a grant from the Inclusa Foundation. Participants in the pilot project will receive an ElliQ device as well as the monthly subscription fees for one year for the ElliQ program service.
If the participants like the device and service, they can keep the device and pay for the monthly subscription fee on their own after the one-year pilot ends. Participants need to complete quarterly surveys regarding their experiences with ElliQ during the pilot project period.
Participants have to be at least 60 years old, live alone and have an internet connection. ElliQ is available only in English.
To participate, call coordinator Mary Linberg with the Dunn County ADRC at (715) 231-2727. More information about ElliQ can be found at ElliQ.com
