Madrid te Acompaña, a project to combat loneliness among older people

Publications Bank of innovations

Madrid te Acompaña, a project to combat loneliness among older people

Ayuntamiento de Madrid

Project to combat loneliness among older people

Photo that combat loneliness among older people

Madrid te Acompaña is a mobile application that allows people over the age of 65 registered in the city of Madrid to request accompaniment for different activities.

The project has the collaboration of Voluntarios por Madrid, a programme promoted by the City Council in which people from the city offer their support and help. Through this application, individuals over 65 that require some kind of assistance can contact volunteers to help them with daily tasks, such as going shopping, going for a walk, accompanying them to a medical appointment, and assisting with various administrative tasks.

The City Council coordinates the application and allows the network of volunteers to receive and manage requests in an automated way. Volunteers can classify services according to the needs and characteristics of the people requesting them and their area of residence. Additionally, the application includes a space where people benefiting from this support can comment on and rate the assistance received, while volunteers describe the progress of the person they are accompanying.

The use of the application is very simple and at the same time helps facilitate the digital inclusion of older adults in the city, thus addressing the generational digital divide. By fostering these connections, personalized care is provided to tackle unwanted loneliness and improve the quality of life for people over 65 in the city.

Banc d’innovacions

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Pioneering Initiatives for the Digital Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups

DigiUP (Finland) and the Digital Inclusion Center of Bordeaux Métropole (France). Wednesday, April 9, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Open for registration.
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RAPNIC Project: Automatic Recognition of Unintelligible Speech in Catalan

RAPNIC is a project focused on developing and training an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model capable of recognizing unintelligible speech in Catalan.
Photo that combat loneliness among older peoplepersones grans

Madrid te Acompaña, a project to combat loneliness among older people

pPoject to combat loneliness among older people

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Publications Bank of innovations

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Accesit Inclusivo

Imatge d'una persona amb necessitats d'accessibilitat digital

An initiative that facilitates Internet access and digital inclusion

In Spain, more than one million people face digital accessibility issues when accessing the Internet. This number rises to 16 million when considering difficulties stemming from physical or age-related limitations. The Acctua project is an innovative initiative aimed at facilitating access to web content and services for all users, regardless of their age and abilities.

Acctua offers an accessible and adaptable solution thanks to its intelligent interface, which allows web navigation through various modalities such as keyboard, voice commands, or other alternative mechanisms, ensuring an inclusive experience.

Moreover, the service does not require the installation of additional software or hardware by the user, as it is directly integrated into the visited web pages. The system is compatible with the most popular platforms and browsers, and operates through the cloud, allowing access from any computer. Through different navigation modes, such as sound modulation or switches, Acctua ensures that people with visual and mobility impairments or cognitive limitations can easily access digital content.

Cuppa, virtual meetups for unpaid carers

Publications Bank of innovations

Cuppa, virtual meetups for unpaid carers

Mobilise

CUPPA

Video calls aimed at carers with the goal of sharing experiences and building community

Cuppa is a free 45-minute virtual meetup program specially designed for unpaid carers. Through video calls, around a dozen carers come together to share their experiences, offer support, and meet others in similar situations in a safe and understanding environment.

The meetings are moderated by a host, also a carer, who facilitates the conversation and ensures everyone has the opportunity to speak. The sessions are simple and accessible, requiring only a device with internet and a microphone. Using the camera is recommended but not essential, and there is also the option to interact via chat.

Additionally, to cater to the varying needs of carers, a wide range of time slots is available, and attendance is unlimited. Cuppa aims not only to provide emotional support to carers but also to create a network of people who share tips and experiences, always with a touch of humor and optimism.

ATENEA, device adapted to combat the digital divide

Publications Bank of innovations

ATENEA, device adapted to combat the digital divide

ABD Group

ATENEA

An adapted device that contributes to the digital and technological transformation of social services, focusing on the most vulnerable citizens

The ATENEA system uses a buttonless mobile phone with a highly simplified user interface that enables vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or people with disabilities, to manage their basic needs and request social services digitally. The device only requires voice use and operates through a voicebot that combines natural language processing and artificial intelligence to engage in smooth and agile conversations with users.

The main goal is to reduce the digital gap and ensure everyone has access to the necessary technology to improve their quality of life. Additionally, ATENEA seeks to mitigate unwanted loneliness through easy communication with their immediate environment and increase personal safety by requesting assistance in emergencies.

Furthermore, the tool facilitates access to basic goods such as food through online shopping, helps people orient themselves in space and time, and simplifies interaction with social services by scheduling appointments and enabling direct communication with social workers.

Predictive Telecare Service in Home Care

Publications Bank of innovations

Predictive Telecare Service in Home Care

Adinberri Foundation, Eusko Jaurlaritza (Basque Government)

BetiON

Predictive telecare that allows for preventive and personalized action

The Adinberri Foundation has launched a telecare service that enables anticipation and action through a personalized intervention plan based on the 4P model: prediction, prevention, personalization, and participation. The initiative aims to address social issues such as loneliness, home safety, abuse, cognitive decline, and lack of socio-family support.

The predictive model operates through technological solutions such as speech processing, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, Big Data, IoT (Internet of Things), and technologies that facilitate interoperability and standardization, such as open platforms.

The system will be integrated into the Public Telecare Service of Euskadi (betiON), a service that allows users to communicate with specialized professionals in emergency or risk situations. BetiON can be used by people over 75 years old who live alone, people over 65 years old in situations or at risk of dependency, people with various types of disabilities or mental illnesses, and people in situations of social isolation.

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

Publications Bank of innovations

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

Milbotix

SmartSocks

Smart socks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia

According to WHO data from 2023, more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia, with over 60% living in low- and middle-income countries. Annually, there are nearly ten million new cases. Additionally, dementia is the seventh leading cause of death globally and one of the main causes of dependency and disability among the elderly.

SmartSocks are intelligent socks that provide information about the condition of patients with dementia, but also with other conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and various intellectual disabilities. The sensor is embedded in discreet and comfortable socks that can be machine-washed, and it collects physiological data such as heart rate, movement, or anxiety. This way, caregivers receive alerts that allow them to intervene more quickly and prevent undesirable situations.

By scanning the QR code on the SmartSocks, the socks connect via Wi-Fi to the Milbotix app, which uses artificial intelligence to detect patterns and anomalies and alert caregivers before a risk situation occurs. These intelligent socks allow for the remote identification of cognitive changes in patients, a very useful feature for professionals in care homes and also allows extending the stay of people with dementia in their own homes before admitting them to a facility.

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

Publications Bank of innovations

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

Oldyssey

ShareAmi

Language exchange program through videoconferences between elderly people and young individuals living outside their country

During the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many elderly people found themselves isolated, while young refugees lost the opportunity to attend language meetings and classes that would facilitate their social integration and the learning of the host country’s language.

To address these two issues, the organization Oldyssey launched the ShareAmi project, a program that allows intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences. On one hand, it helps young refugees better integrate into the new territory, and on the other, it combats the feeling of unwanted loneliness experienced by many elderly people. Additionally, the use of this tool also allows elderly people to improve their relationship with technology and, at the same time, reinforce their sense of usefulness in society.

ShareAmi operates through a volunteer system, in which volunteers contact both parties interested in the exchange and act as intermediaries. The meetings last for three months and are held weekly. To ensure follow-up, the mediator receives monthly feedback on the sessions. Once the scheduled time has passed, participants can decide whether to continue the video calls or end the exchange.

Kloosiv, technology and social intervention to ensure social inclusion in access to housing

Publications Bank of innovations

Kloosiv, technology and social intervention to ensure social inclusion in access to housing

Kloosiv Housing SCCL

Kloosiv

Web platform that promotes social inclusion in housing to combat speculation and unwanted loneliness

Kloosiv is a cooperative web platform that combines technology and social intervention to facilitate access to housing for vulnerable groups struggling to pay rent. Its audience ranges from young people to single-parent families or elderly individuals living alone. The tool includes real information on the supply and demand of real estate in participating municipalities and offers more affordable rental prices compared to the market. The goal is to create a network that connects different stakeholders and, through artificial intelligence, optimizes resources and data to better meet their needs.

The initiative focuses on social and healthcare attention, well-being, home security, and conflict mediation. Kloosiv diagnoses the situation and specificities of both tenants and landlords. Professionals accompany individuals throughout the process and supervise each case personally.

Users’ circumstances vary. A common profile among Kloosiv users is elderly individuals experiencing unwanted loneliness who are looking for someone to safely share their apartment. There are also cases of young people who cannot afford to rent an apartment alone and are interested in accompanying someone living alone. In this sense, Kloosiv includes different types of cohabitation and provides professionals with regular monitoring to ensure residents’ comfort.

Additionally, the technological platform allows processing data and combining it with indicators of health, physical well-being, and emotional well-being to evaluate the program’s impact on users’ lives. Kloosiv also pays special attention to the homeless population and aligns with the Housing First methodology, prioritizing access to housing for these individuals.

Nagaya Tower, an intergenerational building to combat unwanted loneliness

Publications Bank of innovations

Nagaya Tower, an intergenerational building to combat unwanted loneliness

Nagaya Tower, THEM

Nagaya Tower

Community building that connects people of different generations to combat the feeling of loneliness

The Nagaya Tower has six floors and is designed in a V-shape to encourage residents to see each other when entering and leaving their homes. Additionally, the exterior balconies have no partitions. This way, homes are connected. On each floor, there are communal dining rooms and other spaces for interaction, such as areas for recreational activities or elevated gardens. All of this facilitates neighborly communication in daily life, although preserving each person’s personal space is also sought.

In this community estate, the majority of residents are over 70 years old, but there are also other generations. Younger residents receive rent discounts if they get involved in common tasks like changing light bulbs, moving furniture, or taking out the trash. Elderly residents place a magnet on the door of their home when leaving the residence so others are aware. Additionally, people requiring vital support can receive services in the same building. Furthermore, there is a room where adoptive families raise children who cannot live with their guardians.

This initiative aims to alleviate the feeling of unwanted loneliness, a phenomenon especially prevalent among the elderly and with a particular prevalence in significantly aging societies like Japan.

Rural Care, innovation in care for rural dependents 

Publications Bank of innovations

Rural Care, innovation in care for rural dependents 

Castilla y León Social Services, Junta de Castilla y León, Diputación provincial de Valladolid, Fundation Persones, Plena inclusión Castilla y León, European Social Network

An innovative project that offers social support, health care and opportunities for participation in the community to people with dependency, disability or chronic illness living in rural areas. It aims to enable people to remain at home with security, quality of life and dignity, maintaining their life project and daily routine. 

rural care asistencia mayores

In rural areas, which in recent years have been dominated by an ageing population, families, communities and volunteers play a crucial role in well-being. The Rural Care project stems from the desire to ensure active ageing around the home and is based on the premise that community participation is essential. This initiative is implemented in the province of Valladolid, in a rural context. Thus, this project, which is part of a European initiative for innovation in social services, is designed for people who are in situations of dependency and require constant support and care. 

In this sense, the aim is to guarantee the dignity of people, ensuring their autonomy and respecting their preferences and wishes. Rural Care also focuses on the families and carers of the project participants, providing them with support to reconcile care tasks with personal, social and working life, as well as to ensure their own health.  

This project stands out for its multi-level partnership of public and private actors, as well as for the coordination of social and health services at different levels. The Support Plan developed for each project participant includes different professionals: a coordinator, a case manager, a reference professional at home and in the community, among others. Among the support actions, it is worth highlighting that the home is also adapted and a personalised community participation programme is designed. In this sense, it is worth highlighting the fact that one of the project’s objectives is to dynamise the rural territory, local occupation, community involvement and social cohesion.