From Panic Buttons to Virtual Caregivers: The Evolution of Senior Safety with Dot Boyd - Episode 127
In this truly futuristic episode, host Diane Carbo is joined again by Dot Boyd, a Senior Safety Consultant, Caregiver Champion, and Fall Prevention Coach.
They're diving deep into a groundbreaking technology called Addison, a 3D animated virtual caregiver designed to help seniors age safely and independently at home. This isn't science fiction; it's a real tool that provides interactive and proactive support, connecting to Bluetooth medical devices to manage everything from diabetes to post-surgical rehab.
As Diane and Dot discuss, this technology is arriving at a critical time. With unprecedented numbers of unsafe discharges from hospitals and a shortage of healthcare professionals, tools like Addison are becoming essential for providing peace of mind to long-distance and working caregivers.
But what makes it different from an Alexa? And how does it handle a senior who is "stubborn" and doesn't like technology? Listen to the full episode to find out!
In This Episode, We Explore:
- What is Addison? 🤖
- It's a 3D animated, interactive, and proactive virtual caregiver that lives in smart health homes.
- Crucially, Dot and Diane emphasize that it is designed to support, not replace, the essential human touch.
- Beyond Alexa & Panic Buttons 🗣️
- Learn why passive smart speakers fall short for senior safety, especially for those who can't speak due to a fall, stroke, or aphasia.
- Addison actively reminds users to take medications and vitals. If a task is missed, it alerts the care team or family.
- True Connected Care 🩺
- Addison integrates with Bluetooth medical devices, including a blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, glucometer, weight scale, spirometer, and non-contact thermometer.
- This data provides a clear picture for doctors, health coaches, and family members, ending the "last-minute sticky note" problem before a doctor's visit.
- More Than Just Medical 🧠
- It's not all serious! Addison supports emotional and cognitive well-being with games, puzzles, solitaire, and brain exercises to create new neural pathways.
- It also features guided exercises, like "A Matter of Balance" chair exercises, to help with physical rehab.
- (Plus, you can change the avatar... and Diane and Dot have a fun chat about the "sexy" male voice option! 😂)
- Solving Real-World Problems 🏡
- This technology is a game-changer for long-distance caregivers who feel intrusive calling five times a day.
- It provides a vital support system to help seniors coming home after shortened, 11- to 20-day rehab stays.
- Navigating Family Dynamics 🤔
- What about tech-phobic parents? Dot explains how the system is designed for simplicity, using voice activation and simple prompts.
- Dot and Diane discuss the hard, honest conversations caregivers must have about setting boundaries and using tools to preserve their own lives and careers.
A Reminder for You, the Caregiver
To my family caregivers out there: You are the most important part of the caregiving equation. Without you, it all falls apart. Please learn to be gentle with yourself. Practice self-care every day, because you are worth it.
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.
👉 Click here to Ask the Expert
Our Resource section can help you find the information and tools that you need. We have courses, videos, checklists, guidebooks, cheat sheets, how-to guides and more.
You can get started by clicking on the link below. We know that taking care of a loved one is hard work, but with our help you can get the support that you need.
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