Yecheon Introduces 'AI Companion' for Dementia Care... Reducing Time Spent Alone

Expansion of Hyodori Support from 5 to 15 Units
Enhanced Emotional and Safety Care for Dementia Patients Living Alone

Yecheon County is accelerating efforts to address the care gap for elderly dementia patients living alone by expanding support for the AI-based care doll 'Hyodori.' By utilizing non-face-to-face care features such as lifestyle pattern recognition and various functions, the county aims to establish a comprehensive support system that ensures not only emotional stability but also daily safety.

Yecheon County Expands Support for AI Care Doll 'Hyodori' for Dementia Patients

Yecheon County (Governor Kim Hakdong) announced that it will expand its support program for the AI care doll 'Hyodori' to assist with the daily care of dementia patients and to strengthen both their emotional well-being and safety.

'Hyodori' is more than just a doll; it is an AI-based care device equipped with a range of features including conversation capabilities for companionship, schedule and time reminders, lifestyle pattern recognition, and emotional response functions. The focus is on helping dementia patients maintain a daily routine even when alone and alleviating emotional isolation.

The county decided to expand the program based on the results of last year's pilot operation. User satisfaction was high, and particularly positive effects were observed in reducing loneliness and maintaining daily routines for dementia patients living alone. Accordingly, the number of supported devices has increased from five to fifteen this year, allowing more individuals to benefit from the program.

Support will be prioritized for dementia patients living alone or those at risk of care gaps. 'Hyodori' will be provided free of charge for a period of six months, during which regular monitoring and counseling will be conducted to continuously assess the effectiveness of the service.

Im Miran, Director of Yecheon County Public Health Center, stated, "By expanding support for AI care dolls, we expect to provide non-face-to-face emotional care services to dementia patients and also help alleviate the burden on their families. We will continue to expand a variety of care services so that dementia patients and their families can feel secure."

For inquiries regarding the program, please contact the Yecheon County Dementia Relief Center.