Affordable services, protein-rich meals, and companionship-focused visits are the hallmarks of Milo, the new home care venture from Holiday Retirement, the nation’s largest independent living provider.
Geriatrician Bill Thomas, M.D., the driving force behind Milo, discussed the motivations for the new home care platform in an hour-long Facebook Live video on Monday. Thomas is the chief wellness officer of Holiday Retirement, currently headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He is known for establishing the Green House Model of long-term care, which is comprised of small residences—typically accommodating about 10 seniors—that emphasize residents’ autonomy.
Having physical strength, a sense of purpose and connections to the community go a long way in keeping seniors living at home independently, Thomas said. For that reason, Milo is structured around six protein-rich meals per week, three weekly visits from Milo companions, and technology that fosters connectivity.
These offerings are built into Milo’s four pillars of well-being, referred to as M.E.S.H.: moving, eating, sleeping and healing. Focusing on these areas of wellness keep seniors healthy, connected and purposeful, Thomas said in the Facebook Live.
“Lack of connection and social isolation is a risk factor for losing independence,” said Thomas in a Facebook Live video Monday. “Good communication tools help people stay connected, which makes them better able to focus in on their own M.E.S.H. goals. The technology team at Milo is working on making connection tools that are easy, fast, and simple.”
Milo services prioritize wellness and include technologies such as an app to track M.E.S.H. progress, a fall-detection device and a sleep tracker, in addition to the companion visits and healthy meals.
These services and tools are all available for $550 a month, according to the Milo website.
Milo is only available in three markets so far, which are Charlotte, North Carolina, Orlando, Florida, and Portland, Oregon.
Milo is not about medical care, said Thomas in the Facebook Live, but is an evidence-based alternative to dependency on family members and traditional home caregivers.
“Milo is dedicated to the idea that people should live where they want and how they want,” Thomas said. “People want to choose what the daily rhythm of their life is going to be.”
Written by Elizabeth Jakaitis