Helpful Clocks for People with Dementia
Understanding Dementia and Time Orientation
According to homecare.co.uk “When the brain is damaged by dementia, the person can lose the reasoning and analytic abilities needed to tell the time and plan their day.” This includes being able to tell what time of the day it is, the date, or even the year.
Because people living with dementia often have damage to the parts of the brain that control memory and reasoning, they will not be able to work these things out. Loved ones may notice the person do things such as wearing a thick coat in the summer or going to bed at unusual times of day.
Why Clocks Are Important within Dementia Care
Someone living with dementia will often have no conception of how much time has passed. For instance, you may go to see them every day, but they might say they haven’t seen anyone for weeks. They also might suggest that they went somewhere a matter of days before when in reality it was weeks or months.
We learn to tell time as children, however for people living with dementia being unable to tell time might be one of the first symptoms that are exhibited, and healthcare professionals often use a blank clock face as a test for potential dementia, asking the person to draw in the numbers and hands.
Types of Clocks for People with Dementia
There are many different types of clocks and watches designed to help people living with dementia to tell the time and keep track of the days. The Alzheimer’s Society shop has a large range, including:
Digital Clocks
Digital day clocks have a large screen and are radio-controlled, displaying the time, day of the week, and date in a simple to understand format. They won’t require adjusting, automatically moving forward or back.
Date and Time Clocks
Dual display clocks give clear information on both the day and date, helping people living with dementia to keep track. They can display in 12 or 24-hour format and often have additional features.
Talking Clocks
Talking clocks and watches can help someone living with dementia to keep track of time by having it spoken to them. Also available as keyrings or push-buttons, they are often portable or can be used at home.
Features to Look For in a Dementia-Friendly Clock
When you’re looking for a clock or watch to support someone with dementia, you’ll want its features to help them with the challenge of keeping track of time. This includes:
Automatic time setting
Eliminating worry that the item needs to be changed twice a year, digital, radio-controlled clocks and watches will update automatically in spring and autumn.
User-friendly design
Many clocks and watches have large displays, adjustable brightness, and simplified controls, meaning that they’re suitable for people living with dementia.
Increased independence
Being able to still wear a watch or keep track of time themselves may boost a person’s confidence and give them an increased feeling of independence.
How Clocks Can Support Daily Routines
Dementia friendly clocks can help to support a person’s daily routine by helping them to manage aspects of their own day, boosting feelings of wellbeing. Helping someone to feel grounded and safe may also reduce feelings of anxiety associated with a perceived loss of control in their life.
Waking up and being confused as to where they are, or not knowing what time of day it is, can be very unsettling for someone living with dementia. Having a timepiece that can quickly help them orient themselves can be reassuring and help them to manage their own routine.
Combining Clocks with Other Memory Aids
Combining a clock with other memory aids is a great way to help someone living with dementia manage their own routine. Clocks that also have a photo frame on them mean that the person can see familiar faces every time they look at the clock, giving them a feeling of comfort and security.
Clocks that incorporate task reminders can also be useful. They often come with a series of programmable alarms that can be utilised for taking medication, attending essential appointments, or meeting up with friends. They often have different languages built in as well, which may help people who have been multilingual and are now struggling to recall words.
Fully Regulated Dementia Care from Helping Hands
Our dementia care is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and the Care Inspectorate Wales. This ensures that we are always delivering the very highest standards of care and will always do so.
We’re also the UK’s most trusted home care provider, with a proven pedigree, having delivered exceptional support since 1989. We achieve a level of consistent care that you can’t get from franchised care providers or agencies.
We support our carers as well as they support you, by paying them well, giving paid holidays, as well as a pension scheme. We also train them well, building on their existing experience and encouraging them to gain dementia qualifications.
