The Challenge: Struggling With Time
In the early years of our mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she often asked us questions like, “What day is it?” or “What time is it?” multiple times a day. We noticed she had stopped using her cell phone and wasn’t looking at the calendar on the fridge anymore. Clocks and time had become hard to process, and her trusty watch no longer worked for her needs.
Discovering the Robin Day Clock
That’s when we started looking for a clock with a simple interface to display the date, time, and day of the week. We found the Robin Day Clock—and it’s been a game changer for our mom’s independence and daily routine.
Why We Love the Robin Day Clock
Here’s why my mom and our family love the Robin Day Clock:
- Easy to Read: The large display shows the time, day, and complete date in a way that’s easy to process. It even uses upper- and lowercase letters, which are more natural for people with Alzheimer’s to read.
- Simple Yet Stylish: looks great in her home. We showed her a few placement options, and she picked the perfect spot. For her, the ideal placement was on the TV stand directly in front of her, where her eyes naturally go when she wakes up or watches TV in her room. She checks the clock each morning to orient herself, which helps stabilize her day.
- Practical Features: The clock automatically adjusts for daylight savings time and now comes with medication and birthday reminder features.
- Flexible Setup: It can be wall-mounted or placed on a surface, making it adaptable to different spaces.
Why This Clock Works: Unlocking Procedural Memory
The clock works because it engages procedural memory—the part of the brain responsible for routines and habits, which tend to stay intact longer in Alzheimer’s early to middle stages. By developing the habit of looking at the clock for answers, our mom gained a reliable external cue to compensate for memory loss.
With this external cue, she stopped asking us those repetitive questions about the time and day, giving her a sense of control and providing us as caregivers a much-needed break from the looping questions that can be so challenging.
Is the Robin Day Clock Worth It?
The Robin Day Clock is more expensive than other options, but it’s been worth every penny. It’s easy to set up, customizable, and—most importantly—has made a noticeable difference in my mom’s life.
A Small Tool With a Big Impact
If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, we can’t recommend this clock enough. This clock has genuinely been a small but impactful tool in helping my mom maintain her sense of control and independence. It’s incredible how something so simple can make such a big difference.
The Robin Clock’s clear display and helpful features have been a game changer for our mom, helping her stay oriented and independent.
