BUYING GUIDE
Before You Buy a Dementia Clock for Your Parent, Read This
A dementia clock can help with time, date, and daily confusion. But before you choose one, it helps to understand what your parent really needs, and when a more personal reminder tool like Memoryboard may be a better fit.
8 min read
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Written by Tyler Zanini, Founder at Memoryboard
Compare Memoryboard to a Dementia Clock
Buying a Dementia Clock Usually Starts With One Question
Many families start searching for a dementia clock after they notice the same questions coming up again and again.
"What day is it?"
"Is it morning or night?"
"Did I already eat?"
"Do I have an appointment today?"
"When are you coming over?"
"Why am I alone?"
A basic dementia clock may help with some of these questions.
But many families need more than the date and time. They need a simple way to share reminders, routines, reassurance, and familiar messages in one visible place.
That is where Memoryboard can help.
What Is a Dementia Clock?
A dementia clock is a clock designed for people with dementia, Alzheimer's, or memory loss.
It usually shows the time, day of the week, date, and sometimes the part of day — morning, afternoon, evening, or night.
Some versions include alarms or simple reminders.
A dementia clock is usually designed to answer one question clearly: 'What time or day is it?'
A dementia clock may help your parent know:
The current time
The day of the week
The date
Whether it is morning, afternoon, evening, or night
When a basic alarm or reminder is scheduled
Why Families Start Looking for a Dementia Clock
Many families find themselves searching for a dementia clock after noticing familiar patterns at home. These situations are common, and you are not alone in looking for answers.
You may be looking for a dementia clock because your parent:
Asks the same time or date questions often
Gets confused in the morning or evening
Misses meals or appointments
Calls repeatedly for reassurance
Feels anxious when plans are unclear
Needs help following a daily routine
Lives alone or spends part of the day alone
Recently moved into assisted living or a new care setting
These are real concerns. A visible reminder tool can make the day feel more predictable for your parent and less stressful for your family.
What a Basic Dementia Clock Does Well
For some families, a basic dementia clock can be a helpful starting point.
Shows the Date and Time Clearly
Large text can help your parent quickly see the day, date, and time without using a phone.
Supports Time Orientation
Some clocks show morning, afternoon, evening, or night, which may help reduce confusion.
Keeps Things Simple
A basic clock can work well for someone who mainly needs help knowing the day and time.
Can Help With Routine
Some dementia clocks include alarms for meals, medication, or appointments.
Where Basic Dementia Clocks Can Fall Short
A basic dementia clock can be helpful, but it may not be enough for every family.
A basic dementia clock can show information, but it may not explain what matters most in the moment. Your parent may know it is Tuesday at 10:00 AM and still wonder why no one is home, whether lunch is ready, or when someone is coming to visit.
A basic dementia clock may not:
Share personal family messages
Show custom reassurance
Explain the day's plan
Update easily from family members
Support changing routines
Show caregiver arrival times
Show meal reminders in a warm way
Help answer emotional questions like "Am I okay?" or "Is someone coming?"
If your parent needs reminders plus reassurance, you may want more than a clock.
INTRODUCING MEMORYBOARD
Memoryboard Goes Beyond a Dementia Clock
Memoryboard gives families the helpful parts of a dementia clock, while also allowing them to share personal reminders, routines, photos, and messages.
Instead of only showing the time and date, Memoryboard helps your parent see what they need to know right now. It can support daily structure, reduce repeated questions, and give family members a simple way to share calm, familiar updates.
Daily Reminders
Family Messages
Easy to Update
Designed for Home
Dementia Clock vs. Memoryboard
A simple comparison before you buy.
Feature
Basic Dementia Clock
Memoryboard
Shows time
Yes
Yes
Shows date
Yes
Yes
Shows part of day
Often
Yes
Custom family messages
Limited or no
Yes
Meal reminders
Sometimes
Yes
Appointment reminders
Sometimes
Yes
Caregiver arrival updates
Usually no
Yes
Family reassurance
Limited
Yes
Personal photos
Limited
Yes
Easy for family to update
Depends
Yes
Feels personal
Limited
Yes
Supports daily routines
Basic
Yes
A dementia clock can be a helpful starting point. Memoryboard gives families a more personal way to support daily life, reminders, and connection.
Help Your Loved One Live with Confidence
Dementia clocks are a game-changing solution for supporting people with memory loss and their caregivers. The right clock empowers daily routines, reduces anxiety, and gives families invaluable peace of mind.
Prioritize ease of use, display clarity, and helpful features like automated settings and reminders.
Choose the Right Size for Your Space
Pick the 10.1″ for nightstands and kitchen counters.
Pick the 15.6″ for living rooms and reading across the room.
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