Adult Day Services Digital Connections Pilot

On June 7, 2021, the Adult Day Services Digital Connections Pilot was launched. This innovative project emerged from the Board of Supervisors’ budget addback process in Fall 2020 in which the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) directed $100,000 toward reducing isolation and loneliness among seniors through piloting technology interventions with Community-based Adult Services (CBAS) clients.

CBAS Adult Day Health Care programs serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries at risk for institutional care, and provide a range of health, rehabilitation and social services to restore or maintain their capacity for self-care and delay long-term institutionalization.

In the first phase of the pilot, 60 GrandPad devices are being distributed to 60 participants at three different centers (Self Help for the Elderly, Stepping StoneMission Creek and Stepping Stone-Presentation) for a six-month period. Program participants are joining virtual group activities available through their centers, connecting with friends and/or family, and accessing care through remote video calls with care providers. The GrandPads will then be redistributed to an additional 60 participants at three new Centers during the second six-month phase of the pilot.

Community Living Campaign (CLC) is handling the coordination of this partnership between the Adult Day Health Centers, GrandPad, and DAS staff, while the San Francisco Tech Council is leading the assessment process, using both qualitative and quantitative measures, to evaluate the pilot’s effectiveness in reducing social isolation and loneliness by improving social engagement and increasing social connectedness.

The GrandPad device has a simple user interface and can be deployed in a variety of languages. In addition, it has adjustable privacy settings, a built-in cellular data connection, and 24/7 customer service for participants. GrandPad has been deployed successfully by programs like PACE and local health systems with individuals who need access but may not be able to do so effectively using standard devices.