Home-based smart medication system for dementia patients in aging-in-place care
Official title: Behavioral Shifts in Dementia Patients Using Novel Pharmacy Home Robotics: A Cost-Effective Approach to Aging in Place
Funded at Hido Technologies, INC. · NIH-11418517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new home-based, internet-connected medication system helps older adults with dementia take their pills correctly while their caregivers stay informed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hido Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Dorado Hills, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,213,105 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG097250-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 65 and older diagnosed with AD or ADRD who are living at home and have a caregiver.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who require intensive in-hospital care or cannot use home-based medication devices may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a two-arm randomized design to see if a HomeCare device and its Pharmacy Distribution System improve medication adherence and reduce caregiver burden for people aged 65+ living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. The system uses video-observed therapy to confirm doses are taken and notifies caregivers of any deviations, aiming to keep patients safely at home. The study builds on prior feasibility work and a Medicare pilot, with a focus on real-world use in home settings. Participants will receive the HomeCare setup and ongoing monitoring, with outcomes including adherence, hospitalizations, and QoL for patients and caregivers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help people with dementia stay independent at home longer and lessen caregiver stress and health care costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed feasibility and usability; the current trial tests effectiveness in a larger, real-world setting.
Where this research is happening
-
Hido Technologies, INC.
El Dorado Hills, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gellman, Charles — Hido Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gellman, Charles
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.