My Alzheimer's Journey
Part 102 - Eppie AI
Eppie AI is a startup company with a brilliant AI application. In a nutshell, Eppie AI provides digital (telephone) companionship for anyone who is lonely and starving for companionship. Obviously, dementia and Alzheimer’s patients are ideal candidates for this service.
The service utilizes AI as a companion. The AI companion calls your loved one on a daily basis. The AI companion has a friendly conversation about current activities, memories, pets, family, friends, etc. My understanding is that once the AI companion has learned basic information about your loved one, the conversations will build and flow naturally. Overtime, your loved one and the AI companion becomes friends. It is a 24/7 service, so if your loved one wants to speak to their companion in the middle of the night they can call.
There are certain triggers built into the system to protect your loved one. When Eppie AI detects something unusual or concerning, family members are immediately contacted. Weekly call summaries are also provided to family members. Safety and security are priorities to Eppie AI.
I spoke to the founders of Eppie AI this afternoon. The man with the vision, David, has extensive experience as an AI engineer. He currently works for a very large company in Silicone Valley. His sidekick, Jane, recently completed her Master’s degree at Columbia University. She has moved to San Francisco and joined David to help Eppie AI evolve and grow.
David and Jane are busy rolling out a new customer support protocol. This will be live in a few weeks. As a startup using relatively new technology, Eppie AI has a few wrinkles to smooth out. I have no doubt David and Jane have the knowledge, experience, and passion to make Eppie AI successful.
My wife, Linda, is going to evaluate Eppie AI over the next four weeks. She will receive the daily companion calls. We will take detailed notes and report back to you in early April.
Anyone can sign up for a free trial. The free plan includes 1 loved one, 1 call per week, and a 10-minute call limit, with no credit card required. The paid plan is $30 per month. This includes unlimited calls, inbound calling, custom scheduling, and more.
I believe Eppie AI has the potential to benefit caregivers, family, and of your course your loved one. AI is a great use of AI technology if companion relationships can be established. To me, that will be the challenge.