Washington —- Imagine a phone that shows a picture of the person calling and tells you who they are and the last time you talked to them.

This prototype for Alzheimer's patients, plus other devices on the market, are aimed at allowing elderly patients to stay in their homes as long as possible.

"The focus has to be on health, wellness and prevention. People want to manage their own health," said Kathy Bakkenist of Ecumen, a Minnesota-based aging, housing and long-term care consulting company. She said new systems have to be relevant, affordable and easy to use.

"Half of all 60-year-olds in the U.S. have parents alive. We have four-generation families in America and may have five-generation families by 2050. This level of complexity offers a challenge," said Dr. Mike Magee, who writes blogs on health issues.

Some recently developed products bringing health services to the elderly:

> Dakim's-Power brain fitness computer recognizes users by voice and provides a program that progressively builds on past activities to exercise their minds. The devices are used in group homes, but a private home model will be available in May, according to Richard Sill, vice president of sales.

> The Como system by Grandcare Systems is a station at which seniors can read their schedules, receive medication reminders, and see pictures and notes sent by their families. Information is sent to a channel on a senior's television. This tool is used both in assisted living facilities and private homes.

> Philips' electronic medication dispenser dispenses at the appropriate times throughout the day. The machine can hold a month's supply of medicine and is locked between refills. Sharon Thompson, product manager for Philips, said the dispensers are used in private homes and assisted-living facilities.