How to Use Technology to Help with Cognition

As our world continues to get more high-tech, it can feel overwhelming to have so many devices at your fingertips. However, technology can be a helpful tool in your daily life to help with tasks, remembering information, and keeping yourself safe. Here are some ideas for how you can use technology as a positive tool in your life.

Smart home devices: Alexa or Google Home, phone, automatic pill dispensers.

Set up an alarm or timer

- use an alarm to remind you to take your medicine: you can set this up as a daily alarm or even multiple times a day as needed.

- set a timer when you need to perform an upcoming task: you can often tell your smart home device to remind you about the specific task. For example: “Alexa, set a timer for me to take the trash out at 7pm”.

Use a calendar

- sync your phone calendar with a family member or friend so they can be aware of your schedule, drive you if needed, or coordinate with their own schedule.

- keep all appointments and events in one calendar, such as your phone, so you always have it with you.

Manage your medications with an automatic pill dispenser

- there are several brands of dispensers that will dispense the pills and set an alarm that will not stop until you take the pills out of the dispenser.

- some dispensers will also alert a family member of caregiver if you have not taken your pills for the day, so they can call and remind you.

Use your voice

- use the voice dialing feature on your cell phone or smart home device, for example, “Call John”. This way, you do not have to navigate your phone book or remember a number.

- ask your device to tell you what’s on the schedule for the day

- ask what time it is, what the date is, or what the weather is like