The best clocks for people with dementia

What do people with dementia struggle with? 

Dementia causes gradual (or sometimes rapid) cognitive decline, and it is more prevalent in people over 65 years old. Dementia may cause symptoms like short-term memory loss, impaired decision making and impaired problem-solving skills, which can lead those with this condition to feel worried, confused and even scared living alone. This means they may need help with everything from performing personal care tasks to taking medication.

In the early stages of dementia when older adults may still be able to live independently for the most part, having a dementia-friendly clock nearby can help them to better manage their day, and put their mind at ease about the day and time to reduce any anxiety they feel as they carry out their usual routines.

What features should a dementia-friendly clock have?

Dementia clocks are designed for those with cognitive decline who struggle to read analogue clocks, and who want to know what date, day, or even year it is. Dementia clocks usually feature:

• The day, date and time in clear, bold, easily-read and high contrast text
• Simple digital displays to reduce confusion
• An orienting word like ‘Morning’, ‘Afternoon’ or ‘Evening’
• Graphics, such as dark sky and stars for nighttime or blue sky and clouds for daytime
• Automatic updates when clocks change
• Reminder alarms for medications, appointments, or other helpful information

There are many different dementia clocks available, such as simple day/night clocks, digital clocks with multiple points of information, or talking clocks for those with vision impairments.

How can home care support people with dementia

Caregivers can help people with dementia by providing a sense of calm that technology cannot. While clocks are helpful, as their condition progresses to the late stages, a person with dementia may prefer someone to remain close by to ease their anxiety and support them during big changes like a new medication, or when clocks change.

Our Care Professionals deliver specialist dementia care developed using a programme created by dementia specialists and key medical practitioners from around the world, and has the Assured status from City & Guilds. We are rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). With our dementia care, you can ensure your loved one maintains their schedule at home.