Angela Fairhurst
Angela Fairhurst is the Founder and CEO of Geri-Gadgets®, dedicated to enhancing engagement for individuals with dementia. Inspired by her mother’s battle with Lewy Body Dementia, she leveraged her background in television production, journalism and product development to create patented sensory tools that promote connection, dignity, and meaningful interaction for caregivers and loved ones.
Geri-Gadgets® are patented, non-digital sensory engagement tools designed to support individuals living with dementia, cognitive decline, and neurodivergent needs. Developed by Angela Fairhurst—a caregiver, journalist, and product innovator—the tools are grounded in the belief that creative, hands-on interaction can foster emotional regulation, connection, and dignity across all ages and abilities.
Each Geri-Gadgets® kit comes packaged in a medical-grade silicone bucket and includes themed activities:
The Flower Bucket encourages arranging and fine motor coordination through familiar, calming play.
The Shapes Bucket offers geometric sorting and stacking that supports visual processing and cognitive engagement.
The Fidget Gidget® Bucket contains five varied tactile tools designed for repetitive, soothing manipulation that helps with stress relief and focus.
All materials are non-toxic, washable, and safe for mouth contact—making them ideal for multi-user environments such as care homes, clinics, and intergenerational programs. No power, no screens, and no language requirements make the tools accessible across cultures, stages of decline, and literacy levels.
Backed by field use in elder care, occupational therapy, and emerging neuroarts partnerships, Geri-Gadgets® are part of a growing portfolio of sensory-based, evidence-aligned tools. Additional kits are currently in development to expand therapeutic options for individuals with varied neurocognitive profiles.
Geri-Gadgets® aligns with the NeuroArts mission by bridging design, health, and creativity to improve quality of life through practical, scalable, and inclusive interventions.
Interests
I’m interested in the intersection of creativity, caregiving, and cognitive health—particularly how non-digital, sensory-based tools can support individuals with dementia, neurodivergent needs, and cognitive decline. My work focuses on designing inclusive, failure-free products that foster connection, emotional regulation, and dignity through hands-on engagement. I’m passionate about translating science into accessible, real-world solutions, advocating for creative approaches to care, and using storytelling to elevate the voices of caregivers and those they support. I’m especially drawn to interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges health, design, and the arts to improve quality of life across generations.
