What/Who is Ava?
Ava is a mobile intelligent robot on loan to us, for the month of May, from our partners at ACD Direct, iRobot and Cisco. She offers HD videoconferencing along with full-fidelity audio as well as intelligent, autonomous navigation. Our hope is that Ava will provide a more immersive and simpler way to connect our residents to their loved ones during the pandemic.
There are a couple of ways families can participate with and benefit from Ava’s technology during this difficult period of no physical visitation with their loved ones.
• Schedule an individual Ava-assisted visit
Family members who would like to schedule an individual, exclusive visit with their Decatur House resident, can call the ACD team at (800) 881-8039 or text “Ava” to (800) 881-8039. Once a date and time is decided, you will receive a link for your visit and we will bring your loved one to Ava, to meet with you, at the scheduled time.
• Sign up to participate in an evening Sing-a-long
Families who would like to participate in an upcoming Sing-a-Long with your loved one and others, can contact the ACD team at (800) 881-8039 or text “Ava” to (800) 881-8039. You will then receive a link for joining the Sing A Long on the next sing-a-long date. Sing-a-longs with Drew and Ava are generally scheduled for Tuesdays at 8PM Decatur House time.
First Sing-a-Long got us all moving!
On May 13, we had our first Sing-a-long via our iRobot Ava. She was able to bring family members right into our living room for an hour of shared music and fun. Drew coordinated the music including old favorites from Elvis Presley, Glenn Miller, Eddie Arnold and the Andrews Sisters. Ava’s behind the scenes crew worked the magic to transport a handful of residents’ daughters, sons, siblings, grand- and great-grand children from their living rooms all over the country into ours!
We all sang along while many of us danced. The residents enjoyed seeing and chatting with their families on Ava’s high definition screen while families had fun being part of the party. It was the next best thing to being in a dance hall together!
The evening kept some residents up until after 9 but they all say it was worth it!
Thank you to ACD Direct staff and especially Noah, the “driver” of Ava.
Questions about Ava the iRobot? Call (800) 881-8039.
