Description: In a recent study, nearly all family caregivers (80%) said they “always” or “often” provide emotional support. What if robots could cut that statistic in half? What would that mean to caregivers who have families of their own? This article is my first-hand experience with a companion robot that provides a tremendous amount of emotional support and meaningful activities. Together, they are designed to engage an older adult significantly which can lighten the caregiving burden on other family members.

Description: This session at the SOA 2003 Vancouver Spring Meeting explains the federal group long term care program and addresses the effect it has had on group plan designs, new entrants into the market, and sales of individual long term care insurance.