Older adults who experience the loss of cognitive functioning are often more susceptible to social isolation. Loneliness can take an enormous toll on one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s a reality that pushes our network to focus on finding person-centered solutions that embrace new and innovative approaches to improve social engagement—and thus the quality of life—for older adults in memory care.
Through a continuing partnership with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation, Lutheran Services in America launched a pilot program with our member organization Lyngblomsten in Minnesota to explore how artificial intelligence-powered robots can meaningfully engage older adults with memory loss. This work is an example of how our network is catalyzing innovation and collaboration for impact—one of our core strategies to advance health and opportunity for all.
A Robot That Cares
Over the past year, two memory care campuses in Anoka and Ramsey Counties welcomed Temi, the newest team member at Lyngblomsten. Temi navigates independently, engages older adults individually, and interacts with residents based on each person’s interests, which are collected through family intake questionnaires. From playing a favorite card game to guiding gentle exercises or offering reminiscence therapy through music, Temi adapts to meet older adults where they are, literally and emotionally.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. One resident calls Temi her go-to partner for a daily game of solitaire (no more shuffling required!). Another resident uses Temi as a walking companion who plays favorite hymns along the way and helps her stay physically active while bringing joy in her daily routine. Moreover, staff and family caregivers report seeing improved moods and stronger daily engagement.
“The robot has been embraced by staff, residents and family caregivers as part of the Lyngblomsten team in promoting person-centered care,” said Jeff Heinecke, president and CEO of Lyngblomsten.
What We’ve Learned
Originally intended for use across independent and assisted living settings, the pilot shifted focus exclusively to memory care residents after early results showed the greatest impact amongst this group. The robot’s ability to deliver consistent, individualized engagement, especially for those who may struggle to advocate for themselves, has become a valuable complement to staff-led activities.
Group sessions with Temi showed promise, with one-on-one interactions proving to be even more meaningful. With those results in mind, Lyngblomsten is now expanding implementation into community-based memory care programs, offering this powerful tool to older adults and families living outside of campus settings—people who might not otherwise have access to this opportunity.
“Our partnership with the CTA Foundation is a powerful force for good, uniting technology and innovation to expand support for older adults and family caregivers across the country,” said Alesia Frerichs, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America.
Leading Together
We’re constantly evaluating how we can continue to innovate to better support older adults communities with quality care for underserved households. This pilot program allows us to collaborate with forward-thinking partners like the CTA Foundation and leverage new technologies like Temi the robot. Together with our member organizations, our network is reinventing what it means to redefine care.
In our past six years of partnership with the CTA Foundation, we have brought investment and visibility to the following projects:
- Virtual reality devices to provide shared immersive experiences for homebound older adults and caregivers at Evertrue
- Google Glasses for virtual caregiver education of loved ones with dementia at Samaritas
- Technology stations within affordable housing at Graceworks
- iPads, tablets, and hotspots for older adult and caregiver connections at LSS Minnesota
Reach out to me to learn more about how we’re evaluating outcomes and what implementation could look like in your setting.
Ashley Washington is Senior Director of Aging Initiatives & Member Experience at Lutheran Services in America.
