From Isolation to Connection: How Joy Calls is Redefining Senior Companionship with Costin Tuculescu - Episode 138
Are you a caregiver worried about a loved one spending too much time alone? In this heartwarming and insightful episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane Carbo, RN, sits down with Costin Tuculescu, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Onscreen, Inc..
Together, they explore how the innovative platform Joy Calls is using technology—from big-screen TVs to AI companions—to bridge the gap between isolation and meaningful connection for older adults.
🎧 Why You Should Listen
Isolation and loneliness affect up to 40% of older adults, increasing the risk of dementia by 50% and heart disease by 30%. This episode isn't just about "gadgets"; it’s about a mission to bring warmth, laughter, and safety back into the homes of seniors through technology they already know and love.
"We live in amazing, interesting times where we can support better care, better connection, and better companionship for our aging loved ones." — Costin Tuculescu
📋 Episode Outline
1. The Birth of a Mission
- Costin shares his 20-year journey in video conferencing and how the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a desperate need for simpler senior tech.
- Why the "big screen" (TV) is the perfect window for seniors with vision or cognitive challenges.
2. Joy TV: Turning the Living Room into a Portal
- How Joy TV allows families to "beam" into the living room for soccer games, birthdays, and daily chats.
- Features like medication reminders and interactive Zoom classes for Tai Chi or poetry.
3. Meet "Joy": The AI Senior Companion
- Discover the AI persona named Joy who proactively checks in, tells jokes, and plays trivia.
- Creative Connection: How Joy helps seniors "paint" digital masterpieces that are shared with their families.
4. Accessibility for All: Tablets and Landlines
- Joy Tablet: Repurposing old devices into dedicated communication portals.
- Joy Calls: A revolutionary service that brings AI companionship to traditional landlines and flip phones—no Wi-Fi required.
5. Safety, Privacy, and the "Robot" Debate
- Addressing concerns about AI: Why Joy is a "care team partner," not a replacement for family.
- Security features: Encrypted calls, HIPAA compliance, and physical camera shutters.
✨ Key Takeaways for Caregivers
- Proactive Engagement: Unlike Alexa, Joy initiates the conversation, which is vital for seniors with depression or cognitive decline who struggle to start activities.
- Safety Net: If a senior doesn't answer Joy's call after three attempts, the caregiver receives an immediate alert.
- Respite for You: Using AI as an "assistant" to fill the 8–12 hour gaps when you are at work or resting.
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming — but you're not alone. If you have questions, big or small, our expert team is here to help.
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