For people living with dementia, meaningful moments matter. A familiar song, a favorite photo or a simple hands-on activity can spark connection, confidence and joy. That is why the Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing (FPCIW) is partnering with Ambient Activity to pilot ABBY, an interactive, Montessori-inspired engagement platform. We’re introducing ABBY in three of our Front Porch memory care neighborhoods.
Traditional memory care approaches have often focused on managing symptoms and ensuring safety. These approaches can emphasize what a person can’t do and can reduce engagement and autonomy. Montessori-based tools, such as ABBY, focus on a person’s abilities, interests and life history. Tasks are broken into manageable steps. Materials are hands-on and purposeful. Each activity is tailored to the individual, rather than offered as a one-size-fits-all program.
Why FPCIW Is Exploring Montessori-Based Approaches in Memory Care
This approach aligns closely with our long-standing commitment to person-centered care.
FPCIW is testing how technology can bring these principles to life. ABBY can provide more opportunities for meaningful, self-directed engagement. It can also complement the structured activities and one-on-one time already offered by team members and families.
Team member at the LeadingAge BOLD conference standing beside the ABBY kiosk on display.
What Is ABBY?
ABBY is a kiosk-based activity center. Residents can use it on their own. It does not need a staff member to set it up or guide each step. Drawing on Montessori principles, ABBY breaks activities into simple, intuitive actions. This helps residents succeed independently, wherever they are in their cognitive journey. The result is a steady stream of small, individualized moments. A favorite tune. A familiar photo. A simple task completed from start to finish. Each moment offers a chance for engagement and joy.
Resident interacting with ABBY
Supporting Caregivers and Families
Memory care team members and family caregivers are stretched thin. They balance emotional demands with the practical challenge of finding activities that are engaging and safe. ABBY helps ease that load. Its activities are self-directed. Residents can engage on their own. This gives staff more room to focus on individualized care. Families also appreciate that their loved one has access to meaningful activity.
ABBY’s feedback helps team members see which activities resonate most. This can inform daily programming and care plans. For families, watching a loved one respond to a familiar song or photo can bring comfort. ABBY can also become a community touchpoint. It is something residents, team members and families can enjoy together. It also offers a window into who a resident is.
“She was laughing and dancing with the music,” observed a San Francisco Towers team member after a resident used the kiosk.
How the Pilot will work
The pilot is being led by FPCIW in collaboration with community team members and Ambient Activity. Participating communities will integrate ABBY into daily programming. They will also provide ongoing feedback on usability, resident engagement and team member experiences. These findings will help evaluate the platform’s impact. They will also inform future opportunities to expand innovative dementia care solutions across Front Porch communities.
Through this partnership with Ambient Activity, Front Porch continues its commitment to testing emerging technologies that support healthy aging, improve quality of life and empower staff to better serve older adults. We look forward to sharing updates and lessons learned as the pilot progresses. Follow FPCIW for future updates and join us as we explore new ways to bring more meaningful moments to memory care.
Team member interacting with ABBY
