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We have a relative with dementia who is in need of diversion from spam text messages on his cell phone. We are looking at various AI programs that could provide companionship and conversation. Does anyone use AI software for this purpose?

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absolutely not. I have a elderly woman I take care of who has short term memory issues from a TBI and I recently saw she was talking to AI. She is now convinced she can do anything without any help, cause her “friend” told her so. AI is the devil.
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Reply to BlueDew
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Please listen the FREE podcast named "Flesh and Code" about the problems people are having with these companies providing a "companion". I believe it is 6 episodes, and I think it will answer your question. Until the problems are worked out with current system my answer is ABSOLUTELY NO.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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I've heard rumors of AI trying to convince people to commit suicide. That's only part of the garbage in - garbage out programming that many AI databases have been taught.

If you try it, don't just set it & forget it, be sure and monitor the conversations frequently.
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Geaton777 Oct 1, 2025
No company would knowlingly create or support an app that would do that due to the immense liaility issues. That would be the most disastrous business model of all time.
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No, get a portable DVD player instead.
And find volunteers to visit your relative. Contact colleges, churches.

Nothing replaces human contact, the connection when caring and compassion is extended.

Gena / Touch Matters
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BurntCaregiver Oct 1, 2025
@TouchMatters

If only it was that easy. Find volunteers and relatives to visit all the time. Maybe everyone can sit all day long having a sing along then doing a puzzle until the elder falls asleep.

This isn't reality. I've heard great things about AI companionship. True, nothing replaces human contact. However some old person with dementia who is alone all day (this happens more than you think), only sees their aide a hour or two, or who is in a facility would welcome a friendly voice over the phone. Even if it is a computer program. Of course check up on it often, but I think it's a great idea.

One big selling point to AI companionship is that a computer program doesn't lose it's temper or patience with someone. The elder can repeat the same thing over and over and over again and the program will give them the same answer. The program will listen to them complain incessantly and never get upset. They can confabulate and lie about their families or the facility staff and the program will agree, sympathize, and tell them they're right.

It's a good way to pass the hours for people like this.
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Rocky10: No, that wouldn't be a good idea. Do get a RAZ phone.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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Lately an elderly man was convinced by AI that he should go to visit his new "friend." It did not end well. AI can tell your dad pretty much anything. As others have said you can get a phone that blocks all the nonsense.
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Reply to JustAnon
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I set a block for non-contacts on my mom’s phone. Then I sorted through her contacts and removed any unnecessary contacts.
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Reply to JenJen24
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Consider looking into the RAZ phone which will block much of this nonsense.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Does he really need his phone? Maybe have his number changed. I get very few spam calls and I think its because I don't pick them up when I do get them.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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From your profile your brother is in his 80s. At that age, and with dementia, I'm not sure he could adapt to a big change in technology,

I was able to teach my Mom (back then in her 80s) how to use my old iPad, which she still has at age 96. It has no data, but has games loaded on it. She plays them a lot.

Regarding an AI "companion", I'm sure there are apps out there but don't invest a lot of money because dementia is progressive and he will begin to forget how to use even familiar appliances and technology.

Maybe consider a RAZ Mobility phone (which I now have for my Mom). It looks like a smart phone but the caregiver controls everything from an app: no keyboard to call out (optional), no texting, no calls in or out that you don't pre-approve of the contacts, etc. Large pictures of the contacts for easy 1 finger dialing.

You can tell him a therapeutic fib, that his phone "broke" and here is a replacement for it. Then maybe buy a used tablet and put games on it, but only if you have the time and energy to be the tech support.

Please know that the AI "elder companion" space is very new and the prices will be high and maybe not all the problems worked out. Better that you aren't the guinea pig in this instance. Look for less expensive, easier solutions.
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