AI “Virtual Companion” Pilot is Supporting Seniors in 2025

Loneliness and social isolation among older Americans have been long-standing public health concerns — concerns that have only grown as the population ages. In a promising development this year, New York State has launched an innovative pilot program aimed at helping seniors stay socially connected and mentally engaged by introducing an AI-powered virtual companion into their homes.

This program offers more than just a glimpse into the future of elder care — it raises timely questions about how technology can complement long-term care planning to improve quality of life.

Addressing a Widespread Concern: Senior Isolation

According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, nearly one-third of adults over the age of 50 report feeling isolated from others. Prolonged isolation has been associated with a heightened risk of dementia, depression, cardiovascular disease, and premature death — effects that the U.S. Surgeon General recently equated to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

While traditional care models emphasize physical health and safety, emotional and cognitive well-being are often overlooked. This is where the intersection of elder law and emerging technology becomes particularly relevant.

The Pilot Program: Smart Caregiving Through Familiar Screens

In partnership with the New York State Office for the Aging and the Association on Aging in New York, up to 100 older adults have been selected to receive a “smart caregiving” device developed by ONSCREEN, Inc. The device connects directly to a senior’s television — no smartphones, apps, or complicated remotes required.

At the center of the system is Joy, an AI-powered virtual companion designed to:

• Engage in Daily Conversations: Joy initiates regular check-ins and light conversation to reduce feelings of loneliness.
• Facilitate Mental Engagement: The device provides memory games, trivia, art prompts, and wellness activities tailored to cognitive stimulation.
• Offer Medication Reminders: Seniors receive gentle reminders to take medications on time.
• Enable Instant Video Calls: Family members can connect through auto-answered video calls — removing common technical barriers for older adults.

What makes this approach especially practical is its accessibility: by utilizing the TV screen — a familiar and user-friendly device for most older adults — the program avoids the need for smartphones or tablets that can intimidate or frustrate users.

The Role of Technology in Elder Care Planning

From an elder care planning perspective, this pilot program illustrates the increasing importance of integrating social and emotional care considerations into legal planning for aging.

Legal documents like powers of attorney for healthcare and property are critical for managing medical and financial decision-making. But elder law attorneys are also being called upon to help clients explore broader planning strategies that support aging in place, maintain independence, and improve day-to-day quality of life.

As tools like AI companions become more widespread, families should consider:

• How these tools support informal caregivers and reduce burnout
• How remote monitoring might affect guardianship and capacity planning
• What privacy and consent protections should be discussed before introducing AI into the home

Looking Ahead: A Model for Other States?

New York’s pilot is one of the first publicly supported initiatives of its kind in the United States, but if successful, it may serve as a model for other states and municipalities. Early feedback from participants has been positive, and researchers will be closely evaluating its impact on mental health, care coordination, and caregiver stress reduction.

If programs like this are expanded or replicated nationwide, elder law professionals, social workers, and healthcare providers will play an essential role in helping families navigate the ethical and practical dimensions of incorporating AI into care routines.

As we plan for the challenges of aging, we must also plan for opportunities — and this includes embracing tools that support emotional well-being and independence. Technology, when used ethically and thoughtfully, can be a powerful companion to legal documents and financial strategies in helping seniors live safely, comfortably, and with dignity. We believe that good elder care planning doesn’t just protect assets — it protects quality of life.

Contact a certified elder law attorney(*), such as Linda Strohschein and her team at Strohschein Law Group for assistance. To set up an appointment, contact Strohschein Law Group at 630-300-0627.