MOJO (Moments of Joy) is a 360-degree dementia portal and app for those living with the disease both directly and indirectly.
With dementia, it is the wider family who often bear the burden of primary care, and MOJO aims to provide support with a combination of accessible technical innovation, online resources and real-time support workshops dealing with everything from ‘Choosing a nursing home’ to ‘How to ask dad to give up his car keys’.
Founded by UK-based entrepreneurs John Thornhill and Sasha Cole, MOJO helps families and their loved ones by reducing the stigma around dementia through a holistic support platform and positive philosophy. The MOJO platform and app provide practical tools to ensure that medical treatment is monitored and reported in a simple way, whilst providing doctors and care professionals greater insight into each patient’s specific situation.
The suite of tools, includes, ‘MOJO Manager’, which helps to share the practical elements of care amongst the wider family, whilst creating moments of joy during times spent together. MOJO Mentoring, which provides live workshops, advice sessions, and online resources, while MOJO Monitoring is an alert system for situations of disorientation or wandering.
John Thornhill, an entrepreneur and one of the co-founders of MOJO, said: “Most of us have seen the effect of dementia on the patient, but MOJO is for the family. For those whose daily lives are dramatically altered by the practical responsibility and emotional impact of a loved one’s dementia diagnosis. Until now there has been little help available for them. We believe our philosophy, ongoing support and technology will make that difficult journey less challenging and more joyful for everybody involved.”
Sasha Cole, co-founder of MOJO, added: “Having worked in dementia-related fields for over ten years, I am acutely aware of the lack of support for patients’ families who are often obliged to provide primary care. The burden of responsibility can be overwhelming. Our aim is to share the load, reduce stress and uncover more crucial opportunities for moments of joy. In this context, what could be more important?
“Philosophically, it’s about going with the flow. It’s easier for us to think like a person who has dementia, than for your loved to think like a person who hasn’t. Although our realities might not always align, the emotional response is what counts. After all, laughter is the best medicine.”
