‘Refresh’ aims to support people with dementia through a smartphone

Many people with dementia struggle to remain independent and live at home for as long as they wish.

Refresh aims to change that by helping people with dementia to live independently for longer.

How does Refresh work?

This mobile video support tool links personalised videos to objects in your home, through your smartphone.

The aim is to help people with dementia carry out everyday tasks like preparing meals and using appliances. The tool flashes up how-to videos when a smartphone scans an object.

The videos not only provide prompts of daily routines – such as how to use the washing machine or toaster – but can also remind people with dementia of memories. Loved ones are able to record an explanation of a photo, and the memory it captures. 

Partnering with How Do I?

Alzheimer’s Society is partnering with How Do I? for 12 months through our Accelerator Programme. Partners received investment, business support and access to people affected by dementia to help develop their product and bring their idea to life.

Through ongoing evaluation involving people affected by dementia, we will be supporting How Do I? in optimising this tool to create the best possible  fit for people affected with dementia. 

We have now reached the end of our partnership with How Do I? and they are looking to work with other partners to take their exciting mobile video support tool forward. They are also seeking follow-on investment to bring Refresh to market. To learn more, please contact Taryl Law at [email protected]. 

Last updated 8 April 2020