Evaluating Experiences with Connective Technology Programs

Oregon Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities wants to know how four different digital programs address social isolation and loneliness for adults receiving Medicaid long-term services and supports.

Consumers currently using GrandPad, GrandPad with Music, Robotic Pets, or GetSetUp: Online Classes may be invited to participate in an interview or survey to: 

• Learn about users' experiences with each
• Understand what works well
• Gather feedback on what could improve

Your feedback matters! Information from this project will help the Oregon Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities Division (ODHS/APD) understand which digital and technology programs help their users and why they are helpful or not. ODHS/APD can then expand or adapt their programs for others who may feel lonely or want companionship.

You may have been invited to participate in an online or in-person interview or to complete a survey. If you choose to participate in the interview, you can select either an in-person interview at the location of your choice or a video interview online with a research assistant from PSU’s IOA research team. If you choose to participate in the survey, you’ll be sent a list of questions to respond to on your own time. 

No, participation is 100% voluntary and optional. Declining to participate or withdrawing from the study will not affect the services you or any clients receive from ODHS.

This project focuses on your experiences with ODHS programs, not your personal information. We will never ask for sensitive information like your social security number, bank account information, or health records. Your responses will be stored at the Institute on Aging and will never be associated with you or your name. 

If you, a care partner, or case manager have questions about the project, please email ioasil@pdx.edu or call 503.725.6635 to get in contact with the project team members.

• Project Co-Directors: Jacklyn Kohon and Sarah Dys
• Project Manager: Diana Jacoby
• Research Assistants: Liv Ainsworth and Jeannette Sager

GrandPads are simplified tablets that allow users to make voice and video calls with friends and family, share photos, read articles, listen to music, and play games. They are designed for consumers who benefit from a simplified tablet. Tablets work with or without Wi-Fi. GrandPads may include music support for consumers assessed as full or substantial assist in cognition. This feature allows for a natural support to assist with selecting meaningful songs for the consumer.

• Eligibility
  • Medicaid LTSS in-home consumers under OAR 411-030.
  • Need a cell phone tower / cell phone signal at their home
  • Not eligible: Consumers with SPPC, OPI, or OPI-M
• Referrals
  • Case managers can fill out the GrandPad Referral Link. The link is also located under the “Make a Request” section on CM tools.
• Shipping and user support will be managed by GrandPad. Referrals approved by the 15th of each month will be fulfilled the following month.

Email apd.grandpadrequest@odhsoha.oregon.gov if you have any questions about this program

Robotic pets are available in cat or dog form and multiple color options. These pets make animal noises like purring or barking. They can react to sound and motion by turning their head. Robotic pets are battery operated and designed to sit on an individual’s lap and be stroked or snuggled – the pets cannot walk or do tricks. This is most beneficial for individuals with impaired cognition, dementia, or those who miss being a pet owner.

• Eligibility
  • Medicaid LTSS consumers, in in-home or community-based care settings including Adult Foster Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Memory Care Communities.
  • Not eligible: SPPC, OPI, OPI-M consumers, and residents in Nursing Facilities.
• Referrals
  • Case managers or consumers can request a pet by filling out Robotic Pets Referral Form. The link is also located under the “Make a Request” section on CM tools.

Once eligibility is confirmed, central office will share the consumer’s name and contact information with our partners. They will confirm address and pet preferences and ship the pet directly to the consumer.

E-mail apd.roboticpet@odhs.oregon.gov if you have any questions about this program

GetSetUp is an online website with hundreds of classes taught by older adults and designed for older adults and people with disabilities. This website includes live classes on topics including cooking and nutrition, financial well-being, exercise, and more. The website has chat groups for individuals with similar interests to help build community and reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Classes are available in English, Mandarin, Hindi, and Spanish, and all have closed captioning options.

• Eligibility
  • Medicaid LTSS in-home consumers, eligible under OAR 411-030.
  • Not eligible: Consumers with State Plan Personal Care (SPPC), Oregon Project Independence (OPI), and Oregon Project Independence-Medicaid (OPI-M), and consumers in nursing facilities and community-based care settings.
• Referrals
  • Case managers can provide the direct link to consumers: https://www.getsetup.io/partner/oregon
  • Consumers set up an account and register for classes and can take as many as they would like.

• Contact your APD Case Manager to assist with a referral
• Contact the ODHS Program Manager: Paige Organick-Lee at 503-779-7690
• Find more details at Social Isolation Programs for Medicaid LTSS Consumer: Overview

The Institute on Aging is dedicated to enhancing understanding of aging and supporting the health, wellbeing, and dignity of older adults in our communities. As part of PSU, IOA faculty and staff provide educational opportunities to learn about aging, conduct research on topics like adult foster care homes and behavioral health, and work with community organizations to improve the health of older adults. You can learn more at https://www.pdx.edu/institute-on-aging/