Many are familiar with symptoms of late-stage dementia, such as forgetting familiar people, places and things. However, many of the earliest symptoms are often dismissed as simply a normal part of the aging process. For example, seniors in the first stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia may find themselves having increased difficulty with keeping track of time.
The resulting confusion and disorientation can lead to significant distress. Fortunately, dementia clocks can do a lot to alleviate this anxiety. We’ve done the background research to learn why and how dementia clocks work – plus, we’ve put together a list of the most effective, affordable and advanced dementia clocks on the market.
The Many Benefits of Better Timekeeping
What sets a clock for seniors with dementia apart from its more mundane counterparts? First, a dementia clock is designed to be more user-friendly, easier to read and more informative than a standard clock. In addition to the time and date, these clocks usually show the day of the week and whether it’s morning, midday or nighttime. For seniors with memory loss or dementia, it can become harder to distinguish sunrise from sunset or identify the time of day, so this can be exceptionally helpful.
Time management is another major benefit of using a dementia clock. Especially in the early progression of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, seniors are still capable of a profound degree of independence. However, managing time-sensitive daily activities (medication, meals, appointments, etc.) can be a challenge. It’s much simpler to remember to take your medication in the morning as opposed to a specific time, and some clocks even include a built-in reminder function.
Detachment from time, memory and the external world can lead to serious mental discomfort for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. All the functions of a dementia clock make them a great way to ease that anxiety. And, especially during early-to-mid-stage onset, a dementia clock can be an important tool to keep seniors connected to both their internal and external lives.
Shopping for the Right Dementia Clock
Choosing the best dementia clock for your loved one’s needs might seem daunting on the surface, but the sheer number of different solutions means there’s something to meet your budget and preferred features.
For many, a trusty calendar clock can prove to be an effective, low-cost solution. True to their name, calendar clocks display the day, time and date. While most of them use a digital display, there are several analog models that some seniors may find more usable and familiar. Dementia day clocks, which emphasize the day of the week and time of day, are another great option. These can be a very useful at-a-glance way for seniors to gain information, without overwhelming or confusing those in the more advanced stages of dementia.
Of course, more modern solutions abound. Many recommend a talking clock or tablet, like an Amazon EchoⓇ product. Equipped with the AlexaⓇ digital personal assistant, the Amazon Echo Show functions as a day clock and high-quality webcam, giving seniors a way to connect with distant family members. Regardless of memory or cognitive impairment, most seniors can learn to use Alexa or an equivalent household assistant – and, better still, memory-impaired seniors may find a personal connection with these devices’ digitized concierge.
If you’re a little tech-savvy, consider converting an affordable tablet into an impromptu-but-effective dementia clock. A tablet that runs the AndroidTM operating system can take advantage of a wealth of free applications on the Google Play store. Plus, the variety of clock face features and modifiable elements means this can suit almost anyone. Ultimately, it’s best to take advantage of what you already have – for example, if you have an outdated iPadⓇ, it can easily be repurposed and made into a perfectly usable, low-cost clock by downloading an app.
Check out this article from Alzheimer’s & Dementia Weekly for more in-depth information on each of these clock options, and details on one that suits your loved one.
Attentive, Dedicated Memory Care
At Eagle Senior Living, our communities do everything possible to improve the lives of our memory care residents. That means encouraging families to consider technological solutions paired with our attentive, whole-person care philosophy. For more on the Eagle Senior Living difference, please contact us. We’ll be in touch with all the information you need to help your loved one find the care they deserve.