Dementia clock recommendations

[Dementiadad]

Hello

My dad is in the early stages of dementia and although he can manage well living at home he does get confused about the date and time - he has been successfully using a calendar and the clock/ date on his phone up until now but he keeps forgetting to take his meds and also forgets when we are coming to visit (which is the same days and times) and goes out.

Ideally we would like to be able to set daily reminders but also put advance things in too. He has wifi at home so if we could do it remotely that would be a bonus.

Thank you for any recommendations you might have.

Have you considered an Alexa? You could programme it to remind him to take meds at set times, and put calendar entries in to remind him you're coming around etc?

Would an Alexa work for him? It’s more audio than a visual reminder but there are echo dots with a clock display. You can I think set reminders remotely, and you can also drop in and speak to him through it, as well as set up repeat reminders for different things. Like it would say at the pre determined time ‘this is a reminder, take your tablets now’ or something.
And he could ask alexa what time and day it is.

Oops cross posted there!

Yes I'd say Alexa too, and you have the app to control his so you can add things. Added bonus that he can ask it questions.

I'd also consider some kind of smart home set up with maybe a doorbell cam. Belt and braces.

I hadn't actually thought of an Alexa! That might work - I had been looking at something like this but it works out v expensive:
www.alzproducts.co.uk/myhomehelper-clock-memory-aid

An Alexa is definitely cheaper and more customisable. You can get one with a screen as well for video calling etc. Plus if you do add smart home things you can 'oversee' everything to make sure he's ok.

I got one of these for my mum. Actually, she had 3 or 4 of them dotted around the house . I also put some basic large calendars with info on them next to the clock so she could cross reference. My mum and dad (both had/have dementia) - neither would have managed or understood Alexa

@Kenworthington

Agree, mum can’t remember Alexa’s name and has taken to shouting at her!

@Kenworthington after speaking to my sister who informed that my dad couldn't remember the name of her Alexa we have gone for one of the clocks you suggested. I will set it up this week.

The main issue is his medication at the moment - he either takes too many or none at all.

@Dementiadad does he have his tablets organized by the pharmacy into one of those boxes? Can’t think what they’re called- maybe a dosset box????- that helped for my mum I think. I put it next to her calendar next to the clock so she could do it according to that. I’m not sure it ALWAYS worked but it was a good start

We got MIL one of those dementia clocks and she really likes it. I cannot imagine her coping with Alexa at all, I don't think she would always remember that she had to ask it things. The clock is visual so the information is right there in front of her.

We also just got her this pill box, which has been a great help too www.amazon.co.uk/SUKUOS-Organiser-Medication-Dispenser-Reminder/dp/B07YZ5W75F/ref=asc_df_B07YZ5W75F/?hvlocphy=9045312&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&hvnetw=g&hvadid=394276556622&hvpone&hvlocint&ref&th=1&hvpos&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-861577308469&hvrand=3769619486846622080&adgrpid=84524269169

If you contact your local age UK they have advisors who are really knowledgeable about what's out there and useful. Also you can normally refer or get advice by contacting social services who may have a loan equipment service where you can try some devises or they can recommend.
Alternatively you can contact or be referred to your local admiral nurse who can also support your dad and family with useful aids/anything he's entitled to/social support etc.

First of allake sure his GP reviews his medications so he only has to take what's neccesary. Also ask your dad if he actually wants to take his medications (if he understand what they are for/risk/benefit etc). Then you can get a pill dispenser that alarms and only opens a slot for that day/time. That way your dad will be reminded, can't take more than one days at a time and you can also tell if/how many/what he has taken. Dosette boxes are good but have to be prescribed by the surgery and quite often people end up taking a few days at a time or picking out what they want to take that they arnt brilliant for someone like your dad.

Also think about arranging power of attorney for health and welfare while your dad can still consent if not already so you can discuss his health and care in the future.

Thank you everyone - we have one of the small pill boxes with the days of the week on but as someone pointed out he forgets he has taken them/ what day it is and takes too many.
He is down to two tablets once a day for ease (they are for high blood pressure and statins) and the GP has said he shouldn't take more than two of the blood pressure ones. Me and my sister go round every couple of days so he never has more than 2 days of tablets to hand. We call him on the days we aren't visiting to remind him. It is a worry.

We have both LPAs for him.

We actually have an appointment with the local memory clinic next week to discuss services.

My mum has a pivotell that DB fills after a disaster with dad's dosette boxes - mum emptied them into an ornamental watering can for some unfathomable reason.