The Mission

Empowering Independence is a critical issue for the elderly and people with disabilities. This Assistive Cup is designed to improve daily living and reduce the risk of dehydration through a unique combination of features aimed at improving quality of life, autonomy and dignity. The Cup is designed to be used by those living at home, but can also be easily used in hospitals and senior living facilities. The idea behind the brand started with a simple task at school - how to solve dehydration in elderly care homes, an issue that remains an impactful challenge. From her volunteering years in the Army Hospital in Prague, Johanka knew what a struggle it can be to keep the elderly properly hydrated, especially after having an experience of having to squirt water into an elderly person’s mouth using a syringe, which felt like quite a dehumanizing experience. Hence the idea was born - a water bottle that can return dignity and independence to those that need it. A well-thought-out design with the needs of the elderly in mind. And so the AssistCup was born. Our determination to make this a reality was even strengthened after volunteering with Wigwam, at a holiday for differently-abled kids where we saw how this cup could make their lives, and the lives of their caretakers easier too.

The Challenge

We are responding to the issue of dehydration among the elderly, and lack of dignified care and independence. Currently the market is concentrated with drinking smart robots, sippy cups with one or two features, and other solutions to the dehydration issue. However, we are offering a solution that is affordable and accessible.

The solution

A carefully designed bottle specifically for the elderly and people with special needs. The plastic bottle has a handle and a textured plastic sleeve for easier grip and is equipped with a hydration tube with a bite valve for more flexibility and lower risk of spillage. It also features a time stamp for easy tracking of water intake. There are two sizes planned: portable 0.5L and stationary 1.2L. Moreover, the smaller bottle (500 ml) has a ring for easy attachment to a belt, clothes' clip and a hook so it can be taken to go or hanged easily.