(San Clemente, California) June 26 – Alzheimer’s Care Armenia (ACA), in collaboration with Expper Technologies is investigating the use of an emotional support robot to improve the well-being of institutionalized older adults in Armenia. The autonomous assistant, called “Robin the Robot” is assesing the cognitive and psychosocial needs of elders at Nork Old Age Home. The project received funding from The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation and it is endorsed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. The project began on May 25, 2021. A special event will be held at Nork Old Age Home for invited guests to learn more about the project and see Robin the Robot in action!
After decades of work and expertise in the field of gerontology, Dr. Jane Mahakian, Founder of Alzheimer’s Care Armenia, is always seeking out innovative therapies for older people with memory loss. She is known for her pioneering work in bringing sustainable programs and services in the area of elder care to Armenia.
“After seeing Robin the Robot first-hand during a meeting in Armenia in 2019, I was intrigued by its possible therapeutic application to older people, including those with memory loss. When I met with Karen Khachikyan, CEO and Founder of Expper Technologies, I discussed this idea and the end result is a collaborative project” says Dr. Mahakian. Given the increasing numbers of people who either have dementia or care for somebody with dementia, the need for robotic support is critical.
The project study will be for a 12-week period and each participant enrolled in the study will communicate with the robot twice a week. Conversations and contact with Robin will be based on their personal interests and will include cognitive games. The robot will talk to them about many topics including music and art. After completion of the study, Robin the Robot will spend the next nine months visiting five other nursing facilities in Armenia.
Consequences of the Covid-19 crisis have impacted the already vulnerable elderly populations, especially those living in nursing facilities. As a result of strict safety measures, loneliness and isolation have increased, negatively impacting the residents physical, mental and cognitive well-being. “Our goal is to utilize evidence-based interventions in order to improve cognitive measures, lower symptoms of depression and ultimately increase the quality of life for the elderly population” says Karen Khachikyan. “By 2050, almost one-third of Armenia’s population will be over the age of 60 with the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias on the rise. The potential impact this project will have to improve the lives of the older person is monumental” says Dr. Mahakian.
This research project aims to investigate the efficacy of Robin the Robot, an autonomous care assistant, on cognitive functioning and psychosocial well-being. The project researchers include Jane Mahakian, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Care Armenia; Karen Khachikyan, Expper Technologies; Nicholas Hutchings, MD, University of California, Irvine; and Samson Khachatryan, MD, National Institute of Health, Armenia.
About Alzheimer’s Care Armenia
Alzheimer’s Care Armenia (ACA) was founded in 2017 by gerontologist Dr. Jane Mahakian with the purpose of raising awareness and developing sustainable programs and services for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families in Armenia. ACA is located in San Clemente, California. It is a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in the State of California and is an NGO in Armenia. Dr. Mahakian is a pioneer in bringing elder care programs and increasing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in Armenia. She is author of “I hear you” a practical guide for people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease that promotes purposeful living and preserves independence.
About Expper Technologies
Expper Technologies is a health-tech company that created Robin the Autonomous Care Assistant, which augments front-line clinicians across a multitude of settings by supporting in-person and virtual caregiving functions. The company aims to transform the caregiving industry by filling in the growing shortage of 8 million care providers in the US and improving patient access, outcomes, and experience at a four times lower cost. Robin has been successfully implemented in over 10 pediatric facilities, including the state-of-the-art UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. Now the company expands Robin’s use into elderly care, having the first deployment at Nork Senior Home to provide emotional support, medical monitoring, and virtual care.
About The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation
The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation commits its support primarily in the Armenian community, both in Armenia and in the United States, and in New Jersey, with a focus in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, through existing non-profit programs and institutions that have a long-standing history in and provide value and impact to these regions of the world. In addition, where gaps exist in fulfilling its mission in these areas, the Foundation may take on initiating or running its own operating programs. Through grants, scholarships, and program-related investments, the Foundation’s primary areas of focus include education, healthcare, arts/culture, volunteerism, ecotourism, youth development, entrepreneurship, and promotion of Western values such as transparency.
CONTACT
Dr. Jane Mahakian, Founder, Alzheimer’s Care Armenia
1.949.212.4105 www.alzheimerscarearmenia.org drjane@alzheimerscarearmenia.org