Caregiver Friendly Products Supporting Independent Living | Dementia Care
Dr. Chitra Dorai and board member Desiree Patno introduced Amicus Brain, a conversational-AI “trusted partner” for families living with dementia from diagnosis through end-of-life. Built with, by, and for users, this innovation gives evidence-based, clinically sourced guidance, resources, and day-to-day care coaching via phone/tablet – aiming to boost caregiver confidence, control, and time savings.
Joseph Castonguay described retrofittable automation for sliding and swing doors, windows and locks that makes existing doors hands-free, improving independence, quality of life, and reduced caregiver load.
Wayne Crolley presented highly accessible wall storage using low-cost, appliance-like robotics that lower cabinet contents ~3 feet (targeting kitchens, laundry, closets). The company is no longer active, but is a concept worth knowing about.
Lived-experience advocate and wheelchair user Teresa Valenzuela underscored why these solutions matter: standard shelves and above-stove/ fridge storage are simply unreachable and risky.
Gary Barg spotlighted the long-running Caregiver Friendly Awards, praising this most recent wave of practical, caregiver-centric innovations. He emphasized connecting innovators with families to turn national innovation into local, in-home impact.
Longevity Icon Mary Furlong dropped by to give her Longevity Venture Summit update.
Recorded on April 20, 2023, this episode is part of our Caregiver Friendly Products Series. Speakers are listed in their order of appearance.
Mary Furlong, host of the Longevity Venture Summit and the Longevity Innovation Summits in June and December, respectively. Mary Furlong Associates
Dr. Chitra Dorai, Founder and CEO, Amicus Brain Innovations, with Desiree Patno, Amicus board member
Amicus Brain Innovations is an AgeTech Collaborative from AARP portfolio company
Joseph Castonguay, President, Autoslide (CES 2023 exhibitor)
Wayne Crolley, MBA (RIP January 2024), Managing Member Novare (company is no longer active)
Teresa Valenzuela, Community Outreach Coordinator, San Diego Futures Foundation – wheelchair user perspective
Gary Barg (RIP August 2024), Founder, Today’s Caregiver, Caregiver.com (this site is now led by his brother Steven).
Debbie Howard’s summary of this show.
====
Hosted by: Linda Sherman, Debbie Howard and Steve Ewell. Further info on them is in the sidebar, fifth item with a microphone symbol.
We continue to record new Rethinking Aging Club podcasts live on Thursdays. How to join live.
Please follow both of our podcasts including News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club.
Music: Solemnity written and performed by Richard Sherman
