ALPIMS • Everyday wellbeing
Reminders & everyday tools
Put less pressure on memory. Make the next step easier to find.
Start with one useful tool. Paper, a phone or practical help can all have a place.
You do not need a complicated system. Choose something you can notice, understand and use with the capacity you have today.
What would help most?
Open a coloured topic for practical options and examples. If pop-ups are unavailable, the information remains as dropdowns.
These are optional everyday supports. Choose what fits your preferences and access needs.
One place to put things Open practical tips + examples
Choose one main place for appointments, tasks or notes so there is less searching.
- A notebook kept in a familiar spot.
- A wall calendar where you can easily see it.
- One phone calendar or notes app.
- A small whiteboard for today’s plan.
- A shared calendar for agreed household plans, if everyone involved wants to use it.
You can keep different kinds of information in separate sections without needing several competing systems.
A simple starting point
“Appointments go in this calendar. Things to remember go in this notebook.”
Keep private information somewhere appropriate. A shared calendar does not need to include personal health details.
A simple daily planning sheet — Coming soon
Reminders you can notice Open practical tips + examples
Choose a cue that fits your surroundings and sensory preferences.
- A phone notification with a clear task name.
- A gentle vibration instead of an alarm sound.
- A note beside the place where the task happens.
- A visual timer if seeing time pass helps.
- A reminder from another person, with an agreed time and wording.
Make the message specific
“Put appointment letter in bag” gives you a next step. “Get organised” leaves more decisions to make.
Too many alerts can become easy to dismiss or feel overwhelming. Keep the useful ones and remove reminders that no longer help.
If a reminder arrives when you cannot act, choose a realistic new time or ask for help.
Choosing gentle reminders — Coming soon
Make the next step visible Open practical tips + examples
A reminder can tell you something needs doing. A short instruction can help you work out how to begin.
- Write one concrete action.
- Use a photo or picture if that is easier to follow.
- Keep lists short enough to scan comfortably.
- Mark your stopping point so you can return without remembering everything.
- Separate “needed today” from “can wait or needs help.”
Instead of “do the washing”
Start with: “Put dirty clothes in the basket.”
Decide on the next part afterwards, or ask someone to take it over.
A smaller step is still allowed to be too much. A list does not remove pain, fatigue, overload or the need for assistance.
Everyday items that save searching Open practical tips + examples
Give frequently used items an easy-to-reach home. Choose locations that make sense to you.
- A tray for keys, glasses or appointment letters.
- A basket for items you use while resting.
- Labels or photos on storage containers.
- A charging point near where you use your device.
- A small bag prepared with the items you usually need when going out.
A resting-space basket
Glasses, tissues, a charger and a notebook— whatever you regularly need within reach.
Visible storage helps some people; others need less visual clutter. Try a labelled basket or cupboard if open storage feels overwhelming.
Keep medicines, sharp items and other hazards stored safely, especially around children or pets.
Easy-access everyday spaces — Coming soon
Adapt for your brain and capacity Open practical tips + examples
There is no single tool that suits every autistic person, person with ADHD or person experiencing brain fog.
- Choose words, pictures, audio or a combination according to your preference.
- Use familiar layouts and clear instructions if changing systems adds effort.
- Try a gentle transition cue before stopping an absorbing activity.
- Use voice notes or dictation if writing is difficult and speaking is comfortable.
- Ask someone to help set up or maintain the tool.
- On a difficult day, reduce the list rather than increasing the reminders.
If another person’s quiet company makes a task easier, agree on what support you want: company, a prompt or practical assistance.
Reminders should support choice. Agree before setting alerts or monitoring another person’s tasks.
Attention and getting started — Coming soon
When reminders are not enough Open practical tips + examples
Remembering a task and being able to do it are different things.
- If you remember but cannot begin, ask whether the task needs simplifying or sharing.
- If alerts increase pressure, try a different cue or fewer reminders.
- If you are exhausted, make room for rest and practical support.
- For important appointments, agree on a backup reminder or support person if needed.
- For medicine reminders or organisers, ask your pharmacist about a suitable system and what to do if a dose is missed.
Do not take an extra medicine dose simply because you are unsure whether you took it. Check your instructions or ask a pharmacist.
New, worsening or persistent memory difficulties deserve a healthcare discussion, particularly when they affect safety or daily life.
Finding practical support — Coming soon
One small starting point
Choose one thing you often search for or forget. Give it a familiar place or create one clear reminder.
For example:
Keep your appointment letter in one tray. Add a calendar reminder saying: “Take letter from tray and put it in bag.”
Try it in everyday life. Keep it, change it or leave it if it adds more effort than it saves.
A simple way to choose a tool
- Can I notice it?
- Is the next step clear?
- Can I use it with today’s capacity?
- Do I need someone to help?
You do not need to buy anything to begin. An existing notebook, calendar or labelled basket may be enough.