United HomeCare (UHC) is helping 80 homebound seniors cross the digital divide in hopes of improved mental well-being and cognitive health. By providing broadband access, computers and in-home training to homebound persons age 60 and older and their caregivers, the goal is to reduce loneliness and depression, increase opportunities for socialization, enhance intellectual stimulation and augment cognitive abilities. The Techno-Savvy Seniors program is supported by a grant from the Alliance for Aging of Miami-Dade (AFA).
Participation in Techno-Savvy Seniors includes a six-month subscription to CogniFit Personalized Brain Fitness Program, a web-based program that uses neuro-standardized testing focused on alleviating the natural cognitive decline that comes with aging. The program, available in English and Spanish, focuses on enhancing 14 cognitive skills: shifting attention, inhibition, working memory, eye-hand coordination, naming, spatial perception, time estimation, short-term memory, response time, visual perception, visual scanning, divided attention, awareness, and planning.
Research studies using CogniFit have been conducted at the University of Miami, Yale, Hoffa University, and the University of Illinois. Collective findings have demonstrated that after 4-6 weeks of use, brain function is said to improve with an 88 percent retention rate.
According to Vianca Stubbs, Director of Research and Innovation, United HomeCare will document the impact the Techno-Savvy Seniors program has on participants and apply lessons learned to expand computer-based programs to more seniors and their caregivers. Connecting virtually with United HomeCare’s Caregiver Resource Center will also be an area of program development focus.
This is United HomeCare’s second year offering the AFA-funded Techno-Savvy Seniors program, and the first time it will include the brain fitness component. Last year, 40 computers were distributed to homebound seniors in Miami-Dade County. A satisfaction survey among participants found that the vast majority of respondents believed the computers made a difference in their lives, providing them contact with friends and family, access to information, and greater independence. These individuals will also have the opportunity this year to participate in the CogniFit program, which entails one hour of use each week.
