Anthony Nunez’s grandmother – who lived out of state – fell when he was in high school. He said his parents bought her technology to try to keep her in the home, but “the technology didn’t work.” His grandmother came to live with his family and he saw her slowly lose her independence while also watching his mom raise two boys and be her primary caregiver.

“That’s why I developed RUDY,” said Nunez, co-founder and CEO of INF Care and the founder of INF Robotics, told NPF Long Term-Care Crisis Fellows. “RUDY was an autonomous robot that was designed to be a companion and someone for the older adult to be able to lean on emotionally, to be able to lean on for assistance, to be able to lean on to really foster that sense of independence.”

Nunez said he wanted the robot to be a companion, a medication-reminder and exercise instructor. He says he wants to foster freedom while also being an “invisible net.”

“We’re not going to be that intrusive person or solution that’s there bugging you, telling you what to do. We’re more of that encouraging voice on your shoulder, helping you stay independent and being that invisible net if something happens that we catch it and help bring it to your attention and help get you back on track.”

Robert Felgar and Nermin Selimic – CEO and COO of RAZ Mobility, respectively – are also passionate about helping older Americans have independence safely through technology. The two spoke during the same session with Nunez.

The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is designed for people with memory loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s, they said. It helps them stay connected and safe.

“What typically happens for seniors with dementia is that that communication is decreasing over time because of their inability to use the phone or in case when they’re using the phone in some very creative ways, if they’re placing too frequent calls, if they’re calling 911 repeatedly, the only option for the family is to take away the phone from them, and that is further accelerating the loneliness,” Selimic said.

The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is completely customizable, Selimic said. Features include only answering calls by contacts or approved callers which eliminates telemarketers; an additional concierge emergency service; disabling the power button; and low vision mode.

The RAZ Care app also allows the caregiver to have full insight into the device. “Is the device turned on? What is the wireless reception of the device? What is the remaining battery power on the device? Where is the device, and hopefully the user, as long as they have their phone with them, where are they located?”

Data helps the caregiver understand the older adult’s status, Nunez said. “It provides a level of oversight and peace of mind for the family because we do share a lot of that data with family and physicians, but for the older adult, it’s most important because we’re not taking away their independence.”

Access the full transcript here.

The America’s Long-Term Care Crisis Fellowship is sponsored by AARP, which also sponsors the AARP Award for Excellence in Journalism on Aging, accepting applications until Oct. 16. NPF is solely responsible for the content.