If someone has concerns or questions about their feelings of loneliness or know someone who is socially isolated, our staff can access them with an online tool called the Loneliness Scale. After completed a short series of questions, a summary is provided. This allows the person to evaluate their own situation and our staff can determine what services or programs that the individual would benefit from. 

Social Isolation

NYSOFA-ELLIQ - Proactive Care Companion Technology 

NYSOFA-ElliQ partnership joins lineup of major NYSOFA initiatives to help older adults age in place with innovative supports and program offerings to combat loneliness and social isolation. NYSOFA brings ElliQ a Proactive Care Companion Technology to older adults, reducing social isolation, supporting independence, connection, and engagement. Under the program, NYSOFA will work with local offices for the aging and partners to identify older adults who would most benefit from the technology: ElliQ by Intuition Robotics, which is the first-ever proactive and empathetic care companion.

For more details on Robotic pets and ElliQ, click on the titles under each picture.

Robotic Cat	ElliQ	Robotic Dog

Robotic Companion Pets

Washington County Office for Aging (OFA) offers robotic companion pets as a method to reduce loneliness in older adults. Companion pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship, and fun to older loved ones. Our interactive cats, dogs, and birds are companion pets, and they are all about ease-of-care and convenience that pairs with technology for the best possible experience. Data has shown that robotic pets have a great impact on reducing loneliness. 

Telephone Reassurance

Washington County Office for Aging (OFA) also offers Telephone Reassurance services to older individuals identified as being lonely or socially isolated. OFA offers a complimentary call to these individuals, a staff member will reach out via telephone on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. This regular schedule telephone contact is purely a conversation with the individual to ask "how are you doing today", or to chat about the weather, their family and/or friends, their pets, or ask how they are staying active and healthy. Our staff members can also determine during these conversations if the individual needs any additional services or supports.