Upcoming Dementia Talk: Tech Series – Apps

Support for people with dementia | mate wareware, care partners and whānau.

Join Dementia New Zealand Senior Educator, Winifred Henderson, in a fascinating discussion on the various digital apps available to support people with dementia, care partners and whānau.

Guest speakers

Alister Robertson – My Life’s Journey
Alister Robertson QSM was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2014, aged 60. Since then, he has become a respected advocate for people living with dementia, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Alister played a leading role in developing the Dementia Declaration and has held governance and advisory roles across the sector. In 2024, he was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to people living with dementia.
My Life’s Journey is an app inspired by Alister’s own experience with reminiscence therapy following his diagnosis. The app supports people to record memories, stories, photographs and audio, helping preserve personal histories and strengthen connection across whānau and generations.

Angela Edwards – Elli Cares
Angela Edwards is the founder of Elli Cares, an award-winning app developed in Aotearoa to support people living with dementia and cognitive impairment to maintain independence and stay connected with those around them. Drawing on more than 15 years’ experience designing digital products for organisations including British Airways, Lloyds Banking Group and Macmillan, Angela combines expertise in accessibility and inclusive design with a strong focus on practical, everyday support for older adults and whānau.
The Elli Cares app supports routines, wellbeing, family connection and day-to-day confidence through features including reminders, wellness tracking, safe zones and behavioural insights.

Julie Caldwell – Kitcal
Julie Caldwell is the co-founder of Kitcal, a New Zealand-developed technology platform designed to support people living with dementia, cognitive challenges, and other vulnerabilities to stay socially connected. A former Chartered Accountant, Julie’s work in digital equity began through her own family experience after both her parents were diagnosed with dementia. Recognising how inaccessible mainstream technology could be, Julie and her team worked alongside older people, whānau and care providers to create a simpler, more supportive alternative.
Kitcal (short for Keep In Touch Calendar) is a senior-friendly communication device and app designed to reduce barriers to connection. Built specifically for people who may find standard touch-screen technology difficult to use, Kitcal supports communication, routine and inclusion through a simplified interface, multilingual options, and family connectivity features managed through a secure, invited network.

Event details

Date: Friday, 26 June 2026
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Online via Zoom

Ticket prices:
Carers and whānau – Free
Individual Professional – $50+GST, including a Certificate of Attendance

For international registrations (outside of New Zealand), please email events@dementia.nz.

Not able to attend at that time? If you’re unable to join the live session, you can still register to receive a recording after the event. Simply complete the registration process as normal, tick the recording only box, and the webinar recording will be emailed to all registered attendees following the session.