WELLESLEY, Mass., and CARLSBAD, Calif.,—Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Ceresti Health, a digital health company that specializes in virtual care for seniors with cognitive impairment, announced the introduction of Ceresti’s technology-based education, remote coaching and support program for family caregivers, beginning with those who reside in select geographies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. This innovative program empowers and supports family caregivers of Harvard Pilgrim members with diminishing cognitive, memory and decision-making capabilities. Ceresti’s Family Caregiver Empowerment Program is available to eligible Harvard Pilgrim Medicare Advantage STRIDE members and their family caregivers at no cost. 

Caregivers who enroll with Ceresti access personalized education and other content through an app or via a provided tablet device. Ceresti’s caregiver program includes videos, tutorials, and access to support by a remote Ceresti coach. Each program is customized to address the unique challenges of a spouse, child or other relative who has taken on increasing caregiving responsibilities, which often includes management of multiple chronic conditions. Caregivers who have completed their Ceresti programs report high satisfaction, an increase in quality of life, and an increase in their knowledge, skills and confidence as it relates to caring for a loved one.

“Being a caregiver can be both rewarding and overwhelming,” said Bill Graham, senior vice president, Harvard Pilgrim’s Medicare business. “Supporting caregivers with personalized education, coaching and resources is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing requires caregivers to be more self-sufficient in caring for a high-risk family member.”

“We are pleased to partner with Harvard Pilgrim to support family caregivers,” said Dirk Soenksen, co-founder and CEO of Ceresti. “We look forward to demonstrating how our innovative virtual care program can reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of care for seniors with cognitive impairment.”

Multiple independent studies show that empowered family caregivers achieve better patient outcomes, including adherence to care plans, reduced use of health care services, and improved quality of care measures.

About Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Harvard Pilgrim and its family of companies provide health benefit plans, programs and services to more than 3 million customers in New England and beyond. A leading not-for-profit health services company, we guide our members – and the communities we serve – to better health.    

Founded by doctors over 50 years ago, we’re building on our legacy. In partnership with our network of more than 70,000 doctors and 182 hospitals, we’re improving health outcomes and lowering costs through clinical quality and innovative care management. 

Our commitment to the communities we serve is driven by the passion of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. Through its work, low- and moderate-income families are gaining greater access to fresh, affordable food—a cornerstone to better health and well-being. 

About Ceresti

Ceresti is a digital health company that specializes in virtual care for seniors with cognitive impairment. Our virtual care programs improve family caregiver effectiveness and leverage predictive analytics to reduce hospitalizations for patients, and increase quality of life for caregivers and patients. We configure our education, remote coaching and support programs as specialized care management programs, or as a Medicare Advantage supplemental benefit. Learn more at ceresti.com