Support
Dementia Reminder Board: A Complete Guide for Caregivers and Families
Caring for someone with dementia comes with many joys and challenges. Among the daily hurdles, memory loss and confusion can be the most difficult, for both the person living with dementia and their loved ones.
Read more
Written by
Tyler Zanini, Founder at Memoryboard
One simple yet powerful tool that can make everyday life easier is a dementia reminder board.
This guide will explore what a dementia reminder board is, why it matters, the different types available, and practical tips for choosing the right one for your family.
What Is a Dementia Reminder Board?
A dementia reminder board is a display—digital or physical—that helps people with memory loss stay oriented and connected. It provides clear, visual cues about:
The current date and time
Appointments or events for the day
Medication reminders
Messages from family members
Photos or personal notes
For someone with dementia, short-term memory challenges can make it hard to remember what day it is or whether they’ve already taken their medication. A reminder board offers reassurance by keeping this important information visible at all times.
Why Dementia Reminder Boards Are So Effective
Research shows that visual reminders can reduce anxiety and improve independence in people with memory loss. Instead of repeatedly asking loved ones the same questions, they can check the board for answers themselves.
Here are a few proven benefits:
Reduces confusion and stress: Seeing the date and schedule helps people feel grounded.
Supports daily routines: Reminders for meals, medications, or activities help maintain structure.
Encourages independence: Loved ones don’t need to rely solely on caregivers for orientation.
Strengthens relationships: Personalized notes and photos create moments of joy and connection.
Eases caregiver burden: Families spend less time answering repetitive questions and more time on meaningful interactions.
Types of Dementia Reminder Boards
When it comes to dementia reminder boards, families can choose from a range of styles depending on needs, preferences, and budget.
1. Traditional Whiteboards
Simple and inexpensive
Caregivers write notes, events, or medication times each day
Flexible, but requires manual updates
2. Printed Calendars
Offer daily orientation (day, date, month)
Easy to use but limited in customization
Cannot display personalized reminders
3. Day Clocks
Electronic clocks designed for people with dementia
Show time of day (“Morning,” “Afternoon,” “Evening”)
Helpful for orientation but often lack custom reminders
4. Digital Dementia Reminder Boards
Modern devices (like Memoryboard) that display time, appointments, reminders, and photos
Easily updated remotely by caregivers using an app
Can include encouraging messages and family photos to strengthen connection
Reduce caregiver workload since updates sync automatically
👉 Caregiver Tip: If your loved one struggles with reading, consider a reminder board that uses large text, simple visuals, or even voice reminders.
How a Dementia Reminder Board Helps Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia is emotionally and physically demanding. A dementia reminder board can ease that burden in several ways:
Less repetition: Instead of answering “What day is it?” multiple times, caregivers can point to the board.
More freedom: With reminders visible, caregivers don’t need to hover constantly.
Peace of mind: Knowing their loved one has access to reliable reminders reduces worry.
Better relationships: By removing small frustrations, families can focus on meaningful connection.
Caregiver Story: One daughter caring for her mother shared, “The dementia reminder board gave us both breathing room. She felt more in control, and I felt less guilty for not being able to answer every question right away.”
Features to Look For in a Dementia Reminder Board
Not all reminder boards are created equal. When choosing one, keep these features in mind:
Large, high-contrast text: Easy to read from across the room
Clear time and date display: Essential for daily orientation
Customizable reminders: Medication, appointments, or routines
Simple interface: Too many features can cause confusion
Remote updating: Digital boards should allow caregivers to add reminders from anywhere
Photo and message options: Personal touches bring joy and connection
Choosing the Right Dementia Reminder Board
The right choice depends on your loved one’s stage of dementia, living situation, and comfort with technology.
Early stages: A digital dementia reminder board with customizable features can help maintain independence.
Later stages: A simpler design with fewer distractions may be more effective.
For caregivers who live far away: Look for boards that can be updated remotely via an app.
For those living alone: Automatic reminders and alerts can provide extra safety and reassurance.
👉 Caregiver Tip: Involve your loved one in the decision when possible. Choosing a board together helps with acceptance and makes them feel empowered.
Practical Tips for Using a Dementia Reminder Board
Keep it in a central location: The kitchen or living room is ideal.
Update it consistently: Routine builds trust and reduces confusion.
Use clear, simple language: Avoid clutter or abbreviations.
Add encouragement: Messages like “We love you” or “You’re doing great” bring comfort.
Pair with photos: visual cues make reminders more meaningful.
Start small: Introduce just a few reminders at first to avoid overwhelming your loved one.
The Role of Dementia Reminder Boards in Aging in Place
One of the greatest wishes for people with dementia is the ability to remain at home for as long as possible. A dementia reminder board supports aging in place by:
Creating structure and predictability in daily life
Helping loved ones feel secure in familiar surroundings
Reducing caregiver burnout, which makes home care more sustainable
Allowing family members to coordinate care remotely
Why Families Choose Digital Dementia Reminder Boards
While traditional boards can help, digital solutions like Memoryboard are designed specifically for caregivers and their loved ones. They combine all the benefits of a dementia reminder board with modern convenience:
Remote updates from family members
Scheduled reminders that appear automatically
Large, clear displays tailored for older adults
Space for both practical notes and heartfelt messages
Digital dementia reminder boards create a bridge between independence and connection, making them one of the most effective caregiving tools available today.
Final Thoughts
A dementia reminder board may seem like a simple tool, but its impact can be profound. For people with memory loss, it brings orientation, structure, and reassurance. For caregivers, it reduces stress and opens space for meaningful connection.
Whether you choose a traditional whiteboard or a modern digital display, a dementia reminder board can help transform daily life from confusion into clarity.
👉 Looking for a dementia reminder board designed by caregivers, for caregivers? Discover Memoryboard and see how it can bring comfort and connection to your family.
Join our mailing list and get our FREE daily routine template & tips guide 💜
Email address
Sign up
More from the blog
Read more helpful tips about connecting with your loved ones from the team at Memoryboard.
Empower people with memory loss
Memoryboard enhances daily life and strengthens connections
