This is a profile of the 2024 Future of Ageing Award recipient Elli Cares app – joint-winner of the Technology – Consumer category. View all of the winners here…
Elli Cares is a mobile app designed to support individuals living with early to mid-stage dementia, helping them maintain autonomy while offering families peace of mind. Key features include notification reminders, navigation support, family monitoring, and an AI-powered resource centre.
These tools assist users in managing daily routines, thereby enhancing their independence and reducing caregiver stress.
Rationale for development
Dementia affects over 55 million people globally, with an anticipated rise to 165 million by 2050. In Australia alone, 421,000 individuals live with dementia, supported by 1.6 million caregivers. Existing solutions often fall short in supporting early-stage dementia patients, leading to accelerated dependency and increased caregiver burdens. Elli Cares addresses these gaps by combining user-centric design with AI, offering personalised, practical support that meets the unique needs of this population.
Key features
• AI-Driven Resource Center: Provides personalised insights, recommendations, and content tailored to each user’s needs.
• User-Centric Interface: Simple navigation and intuitive design enhance ease of use for dementia patients.
• Caregiver Tools: Real-time updates, behavioural monitoring, and access to the resource centre enable caregivers to offer targeted support.
• Funding and Development: Elli Cares has received grants from the Roddenberry Foundation, Callaghan Innovation, and the Selwyn Foundation, supporting feature development without diluting ownership.
“Strong entry with evidence of clear research, funding sources, collaboration and rollout.”
2024 Future of Ageing Awards judge
Operating model and sustainability
Elli Cares runs on a freemium model, with premium subscriptions supporting its sustainability. It’s also exploring a B2B model for aged care providers, diversifying revenue streams to fund ongoing enhancements and reach expansion.
Success metrics and partnerships
Since its launch, Elli Cares has seen uptake in 19 countries with month-on-month user growth. User feedback highlights its impact, with testimonials affirming its utility. Strategic partnerships, including a pilot with Dementia New Zealand, validate its relevance and market potential.
Elli Cares is well-positioned to address the growing needs in dementia care. Through continued development, strategic partnerships, and clinical validation, it aims to become a leading solution in dementia care technology, supporting improved global outcomes for individuals living with dementia and their families.
