Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels (YMOW) has a new partner in their mission to support local homebound neighbors, and her name is ElliQ.

“We are thrilled to bring ElliQ to eastern Washtenaw County and improve the lives of YMOW clients. Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels’ mission is to enable their clients to enjoy healthier, safer, and more independent lives, which is perfectly aligned with ElliQ’s purpose. We’ve seen great results in ElliQ reducing loneliness and bringing joy to users so far and are looking forward to bringing these same results to new areas of the U.S.,'' said Dor Skuler, CEO

Partnership Opens New World for Ypsilanti Seniors

Through funding from Toyota Motor North America, developer Intuition Robotics is providing ElliQ devices to YMOW and training to clients and YMOW staff. Funding also will allow YMOW to provide free WiFi, when necessary, for a client to enjoy the benefits of ElliQ.

ElliQ can initiate and receive video calls and text messages to and from YMOW staff, making it easy to provide YMOW clients with news and information about YMOW services and events in the community. ElliQ will open up a whole new channel of communication between the staff and the client.

“The capabilities of this device are virtually endless, and completely customizable to each client’s needs,” said Alison Foreman, YMOW president and CEO. She continues,

“By introducing a digital care companion, we can increase our clients' engagement with the community and most importantly, address the social isolation many of them are feeling.”

Over the upcoming months, YMOW staff will identify clients most likely to benefit from ElliQ. YMOW staff will track each client’s physical, mental and emotional health to determine how ElliQ is making life better for the homebound clients of YMOW.