Dunn County ADRC begins pilot to give seniors AI ‘LEQ’ devices to address social isolation

Tracy Fisher, manager for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), told the Dunn County Health and Human Services Board on April 24 that the ADRC received a three‑year grant from the Inclusive Foundation to provide up to 250 AI robotic devices called LEQ to seniors who self‑identify as socially isolated.

Fisher said the grant fully funds a full‑time staff member and the devices' first year of service. "Tonight, I am here to present a bright spot in our world, the ADRC. We received funding ... to provide up to 250 AI robotic devices called LEQs to seniors," she said. The county had distributed 20 units as of late March and issued a press release to publicize the program.

The ADRC’s eligibility requirements, as Fisher described them, are age 60 or older, living alone, self‑identifying as struggling with social isolation or loneliness, and English speaking. Fisher said LEQ currently operates in English only and requires the user to have working Wi‑Fi; the program does not cover internet service. "It's not really recommended for folks that have some dementia related concerns," Fisher said, citing vendor testing that sometimes increased paranoia in that group.

Fisher provided cost and ownership details. She said the Inclusive Foundation grant totals $600,000 over three years and that the county’s per‑unit charge to distribute a LEQ — including the first 12 months of service — is $1,050. Monthly service after the first year is $39.99, she said. Fisher said Dunn County does not own the devices; the vendor retains ownership and units must be returned if a participant discontinues service.

Board members asked about safety, emergency response and privacy. Greg, Dunn County’s veterans service officer, asked whether LEQ connects to emergency services; Fisher said it does not, but it can call a participant’s predesignated “trusted contacts” (for example family or a doctor's office) for help. Supervisor Breslin asked whether device data are sold to third parties; Fisher said, "It is not," and that the vendor presents LEQ as HIPAA‑compliant. Fisher added the vendor provides tech support trained to work with people who have a low baseline of technical skill.

Fisher said the ADRC will prioritize outreach to groups that touch older residents — including public health and veterans services — and that if participants wish to continue after the grant‑funded year they would pay the monthly service fee. She said the ADRC plans to report program survey results to the board once sufficient data are available.

The board did not take formal action on the LEQ program during the meeting.