SoCal Seniors Get New 'Joy Calls' Service Free: An AI Companion That Combats Loneliness and Isolation Over the Phone

The company has created a friendly AI companion that calls seniors on the phone, offering companionship, reminders, and wellness check-ins; nationwide availability coming soon

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California-based ONSCREEN, creator of the award-winning Joy AI Companion for Seniors, today announced that it is providing its soon-to-launch "Joy Calls" service for free to seniors in its home market (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties). The first-of-its-kind AI-powered wellness companion proactively calls seniors to talk, check in, and support their daily well-being. This innovative technology addresses isolation and the emotional wellness of older adults and gives caregivers peace of mind with zero learning curve or technical barriers.

"Joy Calls is a game changer in the fight against older adult isolation. It creates consistent, engaging moments throughout the week, with no apps, no screens, just a friendly voice that truly feels human. I absolutely loved talking to Joy, and I know our aging population will too," said Rebecca Preve, executive director, Association of Aging in New York, who had a chance to try out the new service.

Designed to check in with seniors regularly over the phone, with a mission to reduce loneliness and isolation, Joy Calls delivers warmth, kindness, and thoughtful conversation in every interaction. Joy speaks with a natural, gentle, caring voice and adapts naturally to each person's interests and context. Every call is designed to deliver uplifting companionship, mental stimulation, or a friendly reminder about hydration, meals, or medication. Joy remembers names and personal interests, asks questions that show genuine listening, and offers moments of lighthearted fun, with jokes, trivia, or reminiscing, to brighten the day.

"As director of a volunteer organization dedicated to alleviating loneliness and isolation among seniors, I consider Joy Calls to be among the most promising technologies developed for the senior care market. My personal experience utilizing Joy has been remarkably positive. I am particularly impressed by its capacity for natural conversation across diverse topics, to the extent that it simulates interaction with a close acquaintance," said Susan Schrader, Program Director, Community Health Center of the North Country.

"ONSCREEN has been developing AI companions for older adults since 2023, delivered through simple screen-based technology like TV and tablets – but now we have completely removed all technology barriers, making connection and companionship as simple as picking up the phone," said Costin Tuculescu, CEO of ONSCREEN. "Now, using the familiarity and ubiquity of telephone access, even older adults living in rural or remote areas, without any wifi or internet access can be connected to a daily companion that checks in and supports them, bringing peace of mind to their caregivers."

Peace of Mind for Family Caregivers, Better Care for Senior Living Communities

The service is not meant to replace the human connection. However, there are many times when family caregivers are not able to connect as often as they would like, and during those gaps, Joy, the AI companion, is always available to step in. Joy Calls alleviates caregiver stress by turning any telephone into a gateway to care. Based on routines set up by family caregivers, Joy Calls proactively reaches out daily, helping maintain healthy routines, reduce isolation, and support independent living. After a Joy Call is completed, family caregivers get updates via text messages about the well‑being of their parents and aging loved ones.

"We would never want to replace the personal, human connection – those moments are golden.  However, life gets busy, and we can't always be there for our loved ones.  We created this service for all the time caregivers wish they could call or check-in, but are too busy," explains Tuculescu.

For professional caregiving organizations and senior living operators, Joy Calls includes a dashboard that shows trends in mood, conversation content, and engagement, helping identify when someone may need a check-in from staff.

A member of LeadingAge California, ONSCREEN is committed to serving the senior living communities of California. At the 2025 LeadingAge California BOLD Annual Conference & Expo in San Diego, Joy Calls was received with enthusiasm by attendees, citing the service's potential to reduce isolation, improve quality of life, and lighten the load on staff.

"Sometimes something so little can make a big difference. Joy Calls supports independence and sets seniors and their caregivers up for success." said Mary Winners, MSG, CPG and Los Angeles Commissioner for Older Adults.

Free 6-month Service for the First 1,000 in SoCal

ONSCREEN is prioritizing early access for residents of Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, by providing the first 1,000 people from these counties to join the waitlist a free six-month subscription to Joy Calls.  Availability is limited; Joy Calls subscriptions will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants.

Join the waitlist today: https://joycalls.ai/socal

For more information about ONSCREEN, visit https://onscreeninc.com.

Click here to download the press kit.

About ONSCREEN: 

ONSCREEN is a leading innovator in senior care technology, providing effective, intuitive solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by families and caregivers. By leveraging advanced AI technology, ONSCREEN enables remote caregiving, reduces loneliness, and promotes healthier, happier lives for older adults. ONSCREEN supports face-to-face video calls, medication reminders, recorded wellness check-ins, and social connections. The company's research has found 88% of customers reporting reduced loneliness, and 75% noting increased happiness among their older loved ones.

SOURCE ONSCREEN Inc.