Teun’s Free Calendar Clock for Dementia

Calendar Clock: the application for people with dementia and their caregivers

Calendar Clock is a dementia clock application. It improves the day-to-day life of people with dementia by helping to maintain a sense of:

• time,
• structure, and
• routine.

It also helps their loved ones or professional caregivers support them more easily and effectively.

Calendar Clock is great because it was built by users like you. It’s inspired and powered by a community of users worldwide. Our users helped develop the app with practical advice, while testing its functionality in practice. In a survey of users, Calendar Clock made a substantial difference to people with dementia, as well as their caregivers. As a matter of fact, a common reaction has been: “We’ve got our lives back”.

Smart Technology

A big advantage of the app is that it works on:

1. Smartphones,
2. Tablets and
3. Smart TVs.

Therefore, it’s not necessary to purchase an additional device. There is a free version with many functionalities and a paid one with even more functionalities to tailor the app to your personal needs, including video calling.

Large Time Plus Clear Messages Relieves Time Disorientation

One of the most difficult changes to daily life for people with dementia is disorientation in time. For example, a loss of sense of time can lead to:

1. missing appointments
2. not keeping to medication schedules
3. repeatedly asking, “What time is it?”
4. sleeping and eating at the wrong time
5. Feeling constantly disoriented.

This disorientation disrupts their ability to engage in routine tasks, further eroding their sense of independence. The loss of a coherent sense of time can also contribute to social isolation as individuals with dementia may struggle to keep track of when family members or friends are expected to visit. This daily struggle with time can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a profound sense of disconnection from the world around them. It is sometimes difficult for family members to deal with this, especially when they are called upon, day and night.

Calendar Clock can support relatives, but certainly also professional aid workers, in this challenging task. It is an innovative solution that improves the quality of life of everyone living with dementia, both patient and caregiver.

The large and clear representation of the time, in combination with messages, helps people stay oriented.

Calendar Clock Gives Back Routine and Structure

Calendar Clock helps individuals maintain a sense of continuity, by providing contextual information in a clear and understandable format. It empowers a person with dementia to:

• Differentiate between day and night,
• Anticipate daily activities, and
• Engage in a more structured routine.

It sports a large, clear display, with bold numbers and easy-to-understand indicators for morning, afternoon, evening, and nighttime.

Remote Control Eases Caregiving

Moreover, this clock offers the unique feature of remote control by family members or caregivers. It allows them to assist the person with the cognitive disorder by adjusting settings or providing reminders for:

• medication,
• appointments, or
• daily tasks.

This remote control capability adds an extra layer of support and convenience, enhancing the individual’s independence and overall well-being.

Try it Free on Your Old Tablet

Unlike the typical dementia clocks that often entail the purchase of a new device accompanied by monthly subscription fees, one can now easily transform an existing tablet or smart television into a highly functional dementia clock using the app, Calendar Clock. This app offers all features of a modern dementia clock, whilst being easy to install, remotely controllable, and highly customizable.

Calendar Clock Administrator App

After installing, no more interaction is required as the entire app can be controlled using the Calendar Clock Administrator application. All family members can install it. Using this second app, loved ones and caregivers can:

• send agenda items and reminders,
• maintain a personal connection by sending personal messages,
• sharing photos, and
• starting video connections.

All items on the screen can be customized. Therefore, the app can be adjusted to all preferences.

The app is free and available on both Android and iOS. One can easily try out whether Calendar Clock works for them, before committing to an expensive device and subscription.

Video Calls Add Security

Using the Calendar Clock app, family members, friends, or caregivers can establish vital video connections with their loved ones, effectively overcoming geographical barriers and alleviating the sense of isolation that often accompanies dementia. These real-time video interactions offer an added layer of security by allowing caregivers and loved ones to check on the well-being and safety of the person with dementia. However, it’s essential to approach this feature thoughtfully, as connections are automatically initiated after a five-second ringtone. To prevent potentially disconcerting situations, it’s crucial to establish clear guidelines regarding when to initiate calls and to promptly disconnect when the person with dementia is unaware of the connection. This responsible use ensures that the video calling feature remains a supportive and positive experience for both the individual with dementia, and their caregivers.

Powered by the Community

The inspiration for the app came from a neighbor with a demented mother, who posed a simple yet thought-provoking question: “Why would I buy a new device when I have plenty of old tablets lying around that are perfectly suitable?” This remark underscored the pressing market demand. Soon after the app’s initial release, a flood of emails poured in, offering countless suggestions and feedback on how to enhance its functionality. Consequently, the app has evolved into one of the most customizable options available, with new features continuously added each month.

Another pivotal moment arose when an email arrived with a request: “I would like to use the app for my parent too; can I help you translate the app to …?” These gestures opened the doors to more community involvement, leading to Calendar Clock becoming available in 14 different languages!

How to Make the Best Use of Calendar Clock

To maximize the utility of Calendar Clock, it is crucial to use the Calendar Clock for individuals with dementia  and  the administrator Calendar Clock app for their loved ones, family or professional caregiver.

• Choose the right Clock Type: Calendar Clock is able to show both analogue and digital clocks. Choose the one easiest for you.
• Place the Clock Prominently: Position the clock in a central location where it’s easily visible and accessible, such as the bedroom or living room.
• Ensure Adequate Lighting: Ensure the clock is well-lit to make it easier for the person to read the time and any displayed information.
• Use High-Contrast Colors: High contrast colors are a must for enhanced readability and visibility, ensuring that important information stands out clearly and making content accessible to all. If you are unsure about the color contrast, it is recommended to use a color contrast tool, such as https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/
• Set Clear, Simple Alarms: Use the clock’s alarm features to set reminders for important daily tasks, appointments, and medication schedules, keeping them straightforward and easy to understand.
• Maintain a Consistent Routine: Encourage the person to follow a daily routine and refer to the clock to establish structure and familiarity.
• Personalize the Clock: Customize the clock’s settings with the individual’s preferences, such as displaying familiar images or enabling clock chimes (Calendar Clock first plays the Big Ben chime, followed by chimes indicating the hours).
• Regularly Check and Adjust Settings: Periodically review and adjust the clock’s settings. Ensure they remain suitable, as the person’s needs change.
• Provide Support When Needed: Offer assistance in using the clock, especially if the person experiences difficulty or confusion. Whenever you come over, check whether the app is still working and providing support.
• Let the Whole Family Share Messages: Multiple people can connect to one Calendar Clock. This offers the power to send pictures and kind messages to the person with dementia from everyone in the family. The result is maintaining connections with family and friends.
• Educate Caregivers and Loved Ones: Ensure that all caregivers understand how to operate and have access to the clock, allowing for effective communication and support.
• Set Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines about when to use the clock (mainly regarding video calling) to prevent overstimulation or anxiety.
• Monitor Battery Life: If the clock is battery-powered, keep an eye on its battery life to prevent interruptions in functionality. The battery life can permanently be tracked via the Calendar Clock Administrator application.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean the clock’s display regularly to maintain visibility and functionality. Also make sure to update the clock regularly, as these can contain bug fixes and new features.
• Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Seek advice from healthcare professionals or dementia specialists on the best ways to use the clock effectively, as part of a comprehensive dementia care plan.

Calendar Clock assists caregivers and people with dementia with their daily schedule. This reduces disorientation in time and the frustration it can cause. Additionally, it offers monitoring capabilities, via its appointments feature and video calling. This all provides a sense of security for everyone, both caregiver and care-receiver. It is a free application co-created by many real-world users. Anyone with a tablet can try it out at no charge.

Calendar Clock is not just a clock; it’s a symbol of compassion, innovation, and unity in the quest to improve the well-being of individuals living with dementia.

Calendar Clock is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. For more information, visit https://calendarclock.app

Click here to get your free Calendar Clock App