LESS DISTRESS is a brand-new digital behavioural support tool, designed by EmWill Care, to predict and prevent distressed behaviours — transforming dementia care through evidence-based, person-centred support.
Combining data, behavioural science, smart technology and caregiver expertise, the tool will equip caregivers with the knowledge they need to improve quality of life for people with dementia — and reduce unnecessary crisis-driven interventions.
Up to 90% of people living with dementia, or their caregivers, will experience issues with behaviour as a result of dementia (Kamoga et al., 2023) — something which Tremadog-based Dr Emma Williams, founder of EmWill Care, knows all too well.
With over 27 years’ experience working with caregivers and healthcare professionals to support older adults experiencing distressed behaviours, Emma is one of only 80 registered behaviour analysts in the world, out of 74,000, who specialise in supporting people living with dementia.
But with just one of her, and such high demand for her expertise, Emma started developing Less Distress — to digitalise and deploy her knowledge.
On introducing the revolutionary technology, Emma said: “Through innovation, education, and collaboration, we are shifting dementia care from reactive crisis management to proactive, person-first solutions — and I’m proud to be leading the way in this field.
“We also know that no two people experience dementia the same way — so why should their care be generic? We respect individuality, putting the person first, and looking beyond the condition.
“Every small win in independence is a big step in maintaining dignity for someone with dementia. We don’t take over; we give back control to the individual and their families.”
What’s more, Emma has been accepted onto the Alzheimer’s Society Launchpad Programme — an intensive business growth programme that will showcase Less Distress on a global scale, with the involvement of a broad community of people living with dementia and their carers.
Dr Ella Moonan-Howard, Senior Innovator at Alzheimer’s Society, added: “Better dementia care starts with understanding people better and why different behaviours happen. If we can understand the causes of distress and meet people’s needs, then we can improve people’s care and quality of life.
“Tools like this can help to ensure that people delivering care are skilled, supported, and able to continue their role, with the needs of people who are living with dementia at the heart of what they do.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Less Distress as part of our innovation work where we endeavour to ensure that everyone at every stage of dementia has increased choice; access to timely care and support; and an improved quality and control over their life.”
Less Distress will be launched as a digital support tool, accessible via partnerships with existing support systems, and rolled out in summer 2025. Designed for carers, care homes, and healthcare providers, it will provide real-time behavioural insights, evidence-based interventions, and practical care guidance to help meet people’s needs and prevent distress before it escalates.
The initial rollout will focus on care home pilots and early adopters within the health and social care sector, with a phased expansion to NHS and community-based care teams. Carers will be able to access Less Distress through a secure digital platform, ensuring they have immediate, actionable support at their fingertips.
To find out more about Less Distress, and to sign up to be on the waiting list, please visit EmWill Care’s website.
