How to use the Dementia Clock for elderly care and accessibility

Today's post is about one of my favorite features in the app, and one that could genuinely help someone you love.

For someone living with dementia, knowing whether it's morning or evening is not a small thing. It could shape the entire day. Dementia clocks (also called day clocks or orientation clocks) are a small piece of assistive tech: a screen that shows the time, the day of the week, and the part of the day in language that's hard to misread.

What the Dementia Clock shows

• The current time in very large numerals
• The full day of the week, spelled out
• The full date with month name
• A clear morning, afternoon, evening, or night label

Here's a quick look at it in action:

The clock is customizable, so you can adjust colors, fonts, and uppercase for extra clarity.

Setup checklist

Install Standby Mode Pro on the device, open it, and select the Dementia Clock widget. Then configure it for the room and the person:

1. Set the language to the person's primary language
2. Choose 24-hour or 12-hour format. Use the one they recognize from a lifetime of habit
3. Pick high-contrast colors (white on black is a great default)
4. Enable Auto Start on Charge so the clock comes on whenever the device is plugged in
5. Lock orientation to landscape
6. Disable idle dimming, or set a generous timeout, so the clock stays bright enough to read from a chair across the room

Don't worry about leaving the screen on all day. Burn-in protection is built in and automatic.

Where to place the device

Place the screen where the person looks naturally during the day: a kitchen counter, a side table next to a favorite chair, or a bedroom dresser visible from the bed. Keep the cable tucked, and use a sturdy stand that won't tip.

Care partner tips

• Use a wall-anchored cable to avoid trip hazards
• Tape or label the charger as "clock" so it doesn't get unplugged by mistake
• If multiple rooms would benefit, repurpose more than one old phone
• Check in monthly: ask whether the labels are still clear and whether the brightness still suits the room light

How this clock came to be

This feature was actually added before I joined to handle marketing and support! Back when Wesley and I were just friends hanging out, he told me how a user reached out asking for this specific clock. That’s when he discovered how much a design like this can help people with cognitive conditions live more autonomous lives. He did the research, designed it, and created the clock you see today.

If you have an idea for a new feature or spot a bug, let us know here: https://standbymodepro.userjot.com/. You can also upvote existing ideas so we know what matters most to you!

If you set one up for someone you love, I'd genuinely love to hear about it. And any questions about the app? Talk to me, right inside the app or at support@zetabitapps.com.

That's all for today.

Take care!