22/05/2026
💙 Dementia Action Week 2026 💙
This week marks Dementia Action Week, led by the Alzheimer’s Society – an important campaign dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia and supporting those who care for them.
Over the past two years, North Somerset Council has been running an innovative project exploring how technology can support carers through remote respite care. Using simple, “high street” technology, the project focused on helping 30 unpaid carers and their loved ones feel more connected and supported.
Each participant received an Amazon Alexa Show, helping them to:
📹 Stay connected with drop-in video calls for easy check-ins
⏰ Set reminders for medication, meals, hydration, and appointments
🎵 Enjoy engagement activities like music, audiobooks, quizzes, and reminiscence tools
A huge thank you goes to the Alzheimer’s Society, the Memory Café in Nailsea, and the Memory Café in Portishead. Your support was essential in bringing this project to life
But was it a success? Here’s what some participants said:
“I would just like to say thank you. The Alexa has made such a difference to long-distance carers. I don’t ever phone now. Me and my sister (who also lives miles away) always drop in . It's so much more interactive than the phone and I can see how they look too. Mum is much more engaged in the conversation. I have set reminders for all the medication etc which is brilliant. Dad would never have paid for this; it would have taken me months to persuade him.”
“We both believe the aim and purpose of this study using this contact method was a good thing. It’s intent to present the opportunity of a little respite ‘away time’ for carers would work with a family network and it our intention to use Alexa show in this way moving forwards”.
These stories highlight how small, accessible technologies can make a big difference in supporting carers and improving quality of life for people living with dementia 💙
Visit the Independent Living Centre for a demo, we are on Trenleigh Drive, Worle BS22 6NF
We are open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm or you can call us on 01275 888804.