Create README.md

README.md

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-# phone-setup-for-memory-loss
+# 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
+
+---
+
+## 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**
+
+---
+
+## 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) |
+
+---
+
+## 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)
+
+---
+
+## 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
+      ```
+
+---
+
+## 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.
+
+---
+
+## 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]"`
+
+---
+
+## 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
+
+---
+
+## 📂 Resources & Templates
+
+Find templates for:
+- Daily Notes
+- Emergency Contact Lists
+- Orientation Cards (printable)
+
+---
+
+## 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.
+
+---