Is this right for us?
Cognitive Companion is open-source software you run yourself, and setting it up takes real technical work. Before a family commits, it helps to be honest about what the home needs, who sets it up, and where the system stops. This page is that honest look.
Who installs it
This is the part most worth being clear about. Setting the system up today means running several services, configuring cameras, and connecting a home automation hub. It expects someone comfortable with that kind of work: a technically inclined family member, a friend who does this for a living, or a care organization deploying it on a family's behalf.
A family that wants the benefits but does not have that person is not out of luck. The realistic path is to evaluate the system here, decide it fits, and then have a capable installer stand it up. The split is worth planning for from the start.
What the home needs
| Piece | What it is for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A home computer with a recent NVIDIA graphics card | Runs the recognition and reasoning on-site | The graphics card is what keeps processing local; a mid-range one is enough to start |
| Cameras | See the rooms you want covered | Compact network cameras, placed at doorways and shared spaces, not bedrooms or bathrooms |
| Home Assistant | Connects sensors, speakers, and switches | A widely used open-source home hub |
| Presence sensors (optional) | Track rooms a camera does not cover, like a bathroom | Small motion or presence sensors |
| A small wall display (optional) | Shows reminders to the senior | An e-ink display with a button |
| A smart speaker (optional) | Speaks reminders aloud | Any speaker Home Assistant can play to |
You do not need every optional piece. A useful setup can start with a couple of cameras, the home computer, and one way to reach the caregiver.
What it is a good fit for
- An older adult in early cognitive decline who is still living independently and wants to keep doing so.
- A multigenerational home where care is shared and a few people want to stay aware without hovering.
- A family that cares about keeping private footage out of the cloud and is willing to run something at home to get that.
Where it stops
Being clear about the edges saves disappointment later:
- It is not a medical device and does not diagnose dementia or anything else.
- It does not call 911 by itself. It alerts the people you choose, and it can trigger other systems you connect, but summoning help is a human decision.
- It does not replace in-person care. It gives you awareness between visits.
- It will not cover every room, and watching a bedroom or bathroom on camera is neither expected nor advised.
Next steps
- Reassure yourself on data handling in privacy and trust.
- When you are ready to build it, move to the quick start and deployment guide.