A smart display designed for dementia patients
Can be operated passively using the remote control app. Use the app to make calls, share photos, give more context for your conversation, and monitor the status of the display
No new hardware required
Transform any tablet or computer into a smart display - no additional hardware required. The app works on Android and Apple tablets, as well as Mac and Windows computers, both old and new. The display can be controlled with any Apple and Android phones or from our web app.
Share photos
Familiar puts your photos front-and-center. The whole family can share photos from their phones or computers, and you can control what is shown on the display at any time.
Make video calls
Make calls to your tablet that connect automatically, with no input required. Calls start off in voice mode, but you can switch to video mode in one click for a truly effortless video call solution. If you would prefer, you can also show an incoming call notifiaction on the display
Help them remember
Help jog their memory with additional information that shows up on the screen during the call. Browse photos together, which show up in sync on your phone and their display. Showcase important information on their screen, such as where they live, your relationship with them, your location, and anything else that can help them keep track of the conversation.
Designed for non-techies
Familiar is a smart display designed for a truly zero-touch interaction. You can share photos and make calls to the display without requiring any interaction from their end. And for people who understand how to interact with a smart display, you can unlock additional features such as voice messages, and two-way calling, and the option to accept calls on the display.
Leave heartfelt messages
For those that are comfortable interacting with a touchscreen, Familiar offers the option to leave them voice messages. A large button on the display makes it easy to play back messages, and a notice pops up when there are new messages waiting. For those who would benefit from a simpler experience, this feature can be disabled completely.
Anyone in the family can join
Invite other family members and caretakers to connect to the app. Everyone can share their photos into a collective family album and make calls to the display. You can invite an unlimited number of family members on your plan.
Monitor the display remotely
Know that the display is working properly. Monitor of the display is running, schedule sleep and wake times, and reset or turn off the display remotely.
My Story
Familiar was created as a side project to help our family manage my Grandmother’s advanced dementia.
My father carried the brunt of the responsibility, and I saw first hand the effect it had on him. I built the first version of Familiar as a way of distributing the workload to everyone in our family and to give us tools to manage our stress, allowing us to be better and more loving caregivers.
After watching the positive impact this technology has had on our family, I started speaking to other families and realized we were not alone. Encouraged by this, I built Familiar as a way to share this solution with others who may benefit from it.
Familiar is currently in an early beta, and is free to use while we get feedback from other families. If you think this may be helpful to for your situation, click on the Get Started button to reach out to us!