Not all reminders are created equal. For people living with dementia, a standard text-based notification might be confusing or easy to ignore. But what if that reminder came from a familiar voice - or better yet, a familiar face?
That’s the power of a video message app - a simple but powerful tool that’s helping families provide support from anywhere, at any time, with warmth, clarity, and emotional connection.
What Is a Video Message App?
A video message app allows users to record, schedule, and send short video reminders - rather than relying on written notifications or alarms. These reminders are especially helpful for people with cognitive impairment, who may better respond to visual and emotional cues.
Unlike traditional reminders that simply say "Take your medicine" or "Doctor at 3 PM," a video message might say:
"Hi Mum, it’s me. Don’t forget to take your blue pill now, it in this container here, right above the sink. I love you. Call me if you need anything."
This small shift makes a big difference.
Why Video Matters in Dementia Care
For people living with dementia, the tone of a voice, the familiarity of a face, and the simplicity of a clear spoken instruction can make tasks feel safer and more manageable.
Research supports this: visual and auditory cues are known to enhance memory recall and reduce anxiety in people with cognitive challenges.
Elli Cares’ video reminder feature was designed with this in mind - helping family members offer supportive guidance from afar. Whether it's a daily medication, a reminder to turn off the stove, or even a sweet message before bedtime, these reminders add comfort and clarity in moments that matter.
Real-Life Impact: What the Data Shows
In a recent pilot conducted by Elli Cares with Alzheimers New Zealand and Dementia New Zealand, the results were excellent:
- 90.9% of users living with dementia said the app helped them take medications on time
- 81.8% felt more confident going about their daily life
- 72.7% felt more relaxed knowing the app was helping them
- 100% would miss the app if it were no longer available
Care partners also reported a significant reduction in stress and said video reminders gave them peace of mind knowing they could guide loved ones even when they weren’t physically present.
Video Reminders Help Families Stay Connected
This isn’t just about remembering appointments - it’s about maintaining a sense of connection and routine.
In Elli Cares, video reminders can be recorded by multiple family members, creating a network of support. One person might remind Mum to take her heart medication. Another might remind her how to work the TV. Someone else might just say “Have a lovely day.”
This shared care model is especially important in families juggling responsibilities or living far apart. It also provides a window into how the person with dementia is doing - if reminders are being watched, and tasks are completed.
How to Use Video Reminders in Elli Cares
With Elli Cares, adding a video reminder is simple:
- Record or upload a video from your phone
- Schedule it as a one-off or recurring reminder
- The app notifies the person living with dementia at the right time
- The video opens in full screen for clear, distraction-free viewing
- The family member can see if the reminder has been actioned
This feature was co-designed with people living with dementia and their families to ensure ease of use, emotional comfort, and accessibility.
Why It Works: Personalization = Better Outcomes
Standard reminders may work for some - but personalized reminders work better for people with dementia.
A familiar face can reduce confusion. A loving voice can reduce stress. And visual guidance can help with complex tasks, like taking multiple medications or using a remote.
Video message apps are part of a growing shift toward empathetic technology - tools designed not just for efficiency, but for emotional resonance.
Final Thoughts: A Small Feature With a Big Impact
Video reminders may seem like a small feature, but for families affected by dementia, they offer a lifeline - a way to support without intruding, to guide without overwhelming, and to connect without being there in person.
As tech for older adults evolves, it’s features like this - human, accessible, and grounded in empathy - that will truly change the future of care.
Ready to see it in action?
👉 Download Elli Cares and try it for yourself.
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