There is a crisis in elder care worldwide. 

The population of people aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2060 and many countries are facing serious questions about how to support such a huge increase in elderly community members. 

In America, nursing homes are both expensive and linked to significant declines in mental health, leading states like Washington to prioritize at-home caretakers. 

But at-home care is facing its own crisis, which has the state turning to a new solution: An at-home AI companion called ElliQ. 

Earlier this year Washington became the first state to have these devices fully subsidized by Medicaid.

And so far they’ve made it into the hands of more than 50 residents.

Is this a solution to the elder care crisis? Or another sign of an AI dystopia?

Plus: Why one of the biggest immigrant support networks in Washington just laid off half its staff, and David and Libby on their top stories of the day.

Today on the show: tech journalist Jacob Robbins, and KUOW immigration reporter Gustavo Sagrero Alvarez

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