Caregiver Guidance
Caregiver Onboarding Tips
How to introduce Carey to your loved one: the framing that works, a script you can adapt, and what to say when they push back.
September 22, 2026 · 4 min read
Bringing a new voice into a parent's week takes a conversation, not an announcement. Most older adults are not resistant to companionship. They are resistant to feeling managed. How you frame that first conversation shapes whether Carey becomes something your loved one looks forward to or something they tolerate.
Here is what works.
Two things to remember before you start
Lead with companionship, not monitoring. The point is connection, someone to chat with, not surveillance. If the first words out of your mouth are about tracking or checking in, the frame is already set the wrong way and the rest of the conversation becomes a negotiation.
Make it about you. “This will help me feel less worried and better able to help” lands better than “you need this.” It shifts the conversation from something being done to them into something they are doing for you, which is a much easier thing to say yes to.
A short script you can adapt
“Mom, I signed up for something I wanted to tell you about. It's called CareTogether™. They have an AI companion named Carey who calls people once or more a week, just to chat. She asks how your week went, how you are feeling, how you are sleeping, and whether anything is concerning you. It's free for the first week, and honestly it would help me feel a lot better knowing you have someone to talk to when I can't be there. Would you be willing to try it and see how it goes?”
Adjust the wording until it sounds like you. The structure is what matters: name the thing, describe what it actually does, say plainly why it helps you, and ask rather than tell.
What to say when they push back
What if my parent says they don't need anyone checking up on them?
Reframe it away from monitoring. Try: "It's not about checking up, it's about having someone to chat with. You can talk about whatever you want, and you are in control of what you share." The objection is usually about autonomy, not about the calls themselves, so meeting it with reassurance about control works better than arguing the benefit.
What if my parent says they don't want a robot calling them?
Acknowledge it rather than talking them out of it, then ask for a short trial. Try: "I get it, it sounded strange to me too. I think you'll like how warm she is. Could you try a few calls? If you don't like her, you can stop any time." Most of this resistance comes from imagining an automated phone menu. A few real calls with Carey usually resolves it.
What if my parent asks why I can't just call them myself?
Validate the sentiment first, then explain what Carey adds. Try: "I will keep calling you. This is so you have Carey connecting with you too, helping me stay informed about how you are doing. She'll help me understand if you've been sleeping badly or your back has been hurting more. Those are things I'd like to know so I can help." Carey supplements your calls, she does not replace them.
Who can see what my parent shares with Carey?
Only the people you and your loved one add to the care circle. That might be a sibling, or a home aide if your loved one wants them included. Those people can see summaries and wellness information from the calls. CareTogether does not share anything outside the care circle you define. Being specific about who is on the list, by name, usually resolves the concern faster than a general privacy assurance.
What if my parent forgets Carey or misses a call?
Carey always re-introduces herself, so there is nothing to remember. Save her number in your loved one's phone so "Carey" shows on the screen when she calls, and they can call her back any time. If they often cannot get to the phone quickly, you can set Carey to ring two or three times in a row.
What to expect from the first week
The first call is usually the shortest. Carey introduces herself, keeps it light, and lets your loved one set the pace. Most people warm up by the second or third call, once it is clear there is no test to pass and nothing they need to remember.
If the first conversation with your loved one does not go the way you hoped, leave it and come back to it in a few days. Willingness matters more than timing, and a reluctant yes tends to turn into a real one after a call or two.
Ready to get started?
Set up your loved one's first call with Carey and add the people who should stay in the loop.
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