Article written by Marian Murphy.
As the nation observes National Family Caregivers Month, a Brooklyn-based tech company is launching a product that could transform the way families care for their aging loved ones. Eve Communications is introducing a new AI-driven service designed to provide support, connection, and peace of mind for caregivers and seniors alike.
The service, which launches December 1, allows an AI-powered companion called Eve to make scheduled calls to seniors, checking on their well-being with simple yet meaningful questions: Have they eaten? Have they taken their medication? How are they feeling? The answers are then sent via text message to a designated caregiver or family member, creating a lifeline of communication and support.
For many families, this could fill a critical gap in caregiving. “It’s like having an extra set of hands,” says Eve’s founder and CEO, Ivan Wicksteed. “Caregivers can’t be there 24/7, but Eve can.”
Inspired by a Growing Crisis
The inspiration for Eve stems from Wicksteed’s personal experience. After his grandmother, who struggled with loneliness, took her own life at 97, Wicksteed became committed to finding a way to address what he calls “the twin epidemics of loneliness and dementia.”
Loneliness among seniors has been labeled a public health crisis, with the Surgeon General equating its health impact to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Wicksteed sees Eve as a way to combat this isolation.
“At its heart, Eve is about connection,” he said. “It’s about making sure no one feels forgotten, and no one is left to struggle alone.”
The service is priced at $30 per month, making it an affordable alternative to costly caregiving solutions. Eve’s simplicity also sets it apart: The device is modeled after a rotary phone, a design choice based on user testing with seniors.
“Many older adults told us they didn’t trust or feel comfortable with smart speakers or other modern devices,” Wicksteed explained. “The rotary phone is something they know, something that feels familiar. They just pick it up and talk.”
A Solution for Caregiver Burnout
Caregivers across the country face growing challenges, juggling work, family, and the emotional toll of caring for aging relatives. Eve’s ability to check in with seniors and provide regular updates to caregivers aims to alleviate some of this stress.
One early tester of the service said she felt a sense of relief she hadn’t experienced in years. “I actually slept through the night,” she shared. “Knowing that my mom was being looked after, even when I couldn’t be there, made all the difference.”
National Family Caregivers Month serves as a reminder of the vital role caregivers play, and Wicksteed hopes Eve will serve as a valuable tool to support them.
Building Relationships Through AI
Unlike other virtual assistants, Eve is designed to build meaningful relationships with users. Its AI technology personalizes interactions, remembering hobbies, interests, and routines. For users with dementia, Eve can even mimic familiar voices to create a comforting and familiar experience.
“Eve isn’t just a device—it’s a companion,” Wicksteed said. “She engages in real conversations, not just scripted interactions, and those conversations can help keep the mind sharp.”
Regular daily conversations with Eve have been shown to encourage mental stimulation, which research suggests can slow cognitive decline.
What’s Next for Eve
While Eve is launching in the U.S. this December, the company has ambitious plans for global expansion. The device’s multilingual capabilities make it adaptable for diverse populations, and ongoing updates to its AI system ensure it evolves with users’ needs.
Wicksteed is optimistic about the future. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We believe Eve can be a lifeline for millions of families—not just here, but around the world.”
As National Family Caregivers Month puts the spotlight on those who care for loved ones, services like Eve offer a glimpse of how technology can provide much-needed support. For caregivers and seniors alike, Eve could be more than just a device—it could be a game-changer.