GranophoneWhen someone calls again and again, the whole family can help.
Granophone helps families handle repeated calls from someone living with dementia. It shares calls across family members, gives each person time for breaks, and plays personal recordings when nobody can answer.
The call goes to an available family member.
An interactive illustration · explore both pathsHere’s what happens when a call comes in.
The person calling keeps using the phone they already know. The family manages how those calls reach everyone else.
They call a number for the family.
Granophone gives the family a dedicated phone number. Calls to that number can be forwarded to family members, so they can share the responsibility of answering.
The call goes to someone who is available.
Each person sets the hours they can receive calls and how much time they need between them. Granophone uses those settings to decide who can take the next call.
A personal recording plays if nobody can answer.
Family members can record stories, updates, and messages of affection. When everyone is unavailable, Granophone plays those recordings through the same phone.
It started with the calls to my father.
As my grandmother’s dementia progressed, she began calling our family repeatedly. Most of those calls went to my father, who was already carrying much of the responsibility for her care.
I built Granophone so the rest of us could answer some of those calls and give him breaks. Once I was in the rotation, I found myself speaking with my grandmother more often. I felt closer to her than I had in years.
That’s what I want this software to make easier: sharing the responsibility, and having enough time and energy to enjoy a conversation when you do answer.
A few questions about Granophone.
Does the person calling need a smartphone?
They can keep using a regular phone. They call the family’s Granophone number, and the software handles forwarding the call or playing a recording. The family manages the settings online.
Can family members have different schedules?
Yes. Each person can choose their own available hours and breaks between calls. That lets people share calls around work, sleep, and other responsibilities.
What happens when nobody can pick up?
Granophone plays recordings made by the family. Those can be a familiar story, an update, or a message from someone they know. Everyone in the family can contribute recordings.
Is an AI answering the calls?
The approach described here uses personal recordings. We’re also exploring an interactive phone assistant that could tell stories and answer questions saved by the family. That work is experimental.
Are repeated calls a difficulty for your family?
If you’re dealing with this yourself, or supporting a family who is, I’d like to talk. Your experience can help us understand where Granophone is useful and what still needs work.
Granophone is in early beta. It grew from use in our own family, and we’re learning what other families need from it.
Email Jean-Marc about Granophone Visit granophone.com
