Android Memory Support Phone Setup Guide

This guide is designed to help caregivers set up an Android phone for individuals experiencing short-term memory loss, whether due to medical events (e.g., hypoxia, stroke, IA), cognitive decline, or other conditions.

Goals:

• Provide a calm, predictable user experience
• Reinforce orientation (time, place, identity)
• Make communication & emergency contact easy
• Reduce confusion and frustration

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Quick Setup Summary:

1. Simplify Home Screen
2. Add Emergency Contacts Widget
3. Use Notes App for Key Reminders
4. Enable Persistent Calendar Reminders
5. Customize Lock Screen Message
6. Optional: Install Additional Helpful Apps

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1️⃣ Simplify Home Screen Layout

Recommendations:

• Remove clutter: Limit to essential apps only.
• Essential apps to include:
  • Phone
  • Contacts
  • Google Keep (or similar note app)
  • Calendar
  • Camera (optional if familiar)
  • One-touch Emergency Contact Widget

Sample Home Screen Layout:

[ Phone ]	[ Contacts ]	[ Google Keep ]
[ Calendar ]	[ Emergency Contact Widget ]	[ Camera ] (optional)

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2️⃣ Emergency Contacts Widget

Use Android's "Direct Dial" widget:

• Long press home screen → Widgets → Contacts → Direct Dial.
• Add 1-touch call buttons for:
  • Primary caregiver (e.g., spouse, child)
  • 911 (if appropriate)
  • Doctor or trusted friend (optional)

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3️⃣ Notes for Orientation (Google Keep / Notes App)

• Create 3 Pinned Notes:
  1. Where Am I?

     Hi [Name],
     You are safe at Steve & Sandra's house.
     Today is [Day, Date].
     Your room is on the left. The bathroom is across the hall.
     

  2. What’s Happening Today?

     Today’s plan:
     - Breakfast at 8:00 AM
     - Watch TV or read
     - Doctor appointment at 2:00 PM
     

  3. Important Contacts

     Steve: [phone number]
     Sandra: [phone number]
     Emergency: 911
     

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4️⃣ Calendar Reminders

Use Google Calendar to:

• Set daily repeating events/reminders for:
  • “You are staying with Steve & Sandra.”
  • “Take medication.”
  • Any appointments or activities.

Enable notification + sound alert for each.

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5️⃣ Customize Lock Screen Message

In Settings → Security → Lock Screen Message, set:

"Hi [Name], You are at Steve & Sandra’s house. Call Steve if you need help: [phone number]"

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6️⃣ Optional Helpful Apps

• MindMate – cognitive games & daily orientation tools
• Dementia Clock – simplified digital clock with time, date, location display
• MyTherapy – medication tracker with simple reminders

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📂 Resources & Templates

Find templates for:

• Daily Notes
• Emergency Contact Lists
• Orientation Cards (printable)

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Contributions Welcome!

Feel free to fork, submit pull requests, or adapt for your own situation. This guide aims to be a starting point, not a one-size-fits-all.

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