The use of pervasive computing technology such as java smart phones and multi-modal sensors in smart homes of the future can potentially enhance elders’ independence and quality of life. We present ongoing research projects whose goal is to reduce the demand on elder’s attention and effort while performing daily tasks. We present three applications: a Mobile Patient Care-Giving Assistant (mPCA), a General Reminder System (GRS), and an Augmented Awareness System (AAS). The mPCA application is a cognitive assistant designed to improve the independence of liveat-home for Alzheimer Disease (AD) patients. GRS is a reminder application targetted to elders with dementia. AAS is a notification application that boosts the elder awareness about certain events in the surrounding (mail delivery, water leak, etc.) We present these applications and discuss the OSGi-based framework on which these applications are built.