recipes for simple tools

hello,
this is my final project for virtual communities. i have drawn on some very simple ideas that may not seem to be very creative, but the goal was a little different. it is all explained in the instructions. here they are.
i wish you all a great christmas.


Memory tool techniques that are not technologically driven-when one thinks of memory loss safety tools, the benefits that technology offer come to mind as fool-proof devices that should offer security to someone whose lifestyle cannot rely on their own memory. However through the process of this project my interest slowly became focused on computer programming tools. But what I have been thinking about lately is the need to come back to the beginning. I am interested in writing instructions for very simple tools that anyone could follow. Either a Patient of memory loss or a friend or family member that wants to make some quick and easy tools that are more personal in regards to special needs. (i.e.: an emergency map card to the closest veterinary clinic)

Both of these tools can be created with computer technology, but it is not necessary and in some cases not as easy. The goal of these tools is to create simple maps and records that a person with memory loss can make and use without the need to depend on computer technology.
Although both of these tools remain very simple, the idea is not to construct something complicated, but to give instructions to something very basic for those who don’t know where to start or as a means to create a tool that is better, more sophisticated and more personal.

First tool for organization:
Custom made daily events and journal calendar

What you will need:

-paper of a chosen size.*recommend at least 8.5x11” (378 sheets)
-thick and thin black marker
-ruler
-a template for organizing: should include a spot for the date at the top to be written in large letters and a spot for the number of the day (*I have included a sample that can be copied)
-a ‘to do list’ with check boxes at the end of each entry
-a list section for any details or events that wish to be tracked. (the idea is to keep a memory of what ever your wish. This is not a list that is limited to daily events or meeting’s. for example-12:45-john the neighbor dropped in-Didn’t like him!
-access to a photocopier

What you will do:

-first take1 sheet of paper and make your template using your thin marker-I have included one to make the process easier
-then photocopy the template 12 times (making the contrast a little darker is a good idea because these templates will be copied again)
-next take your 12 pages and with your thick marker, write 1 month of the year on each page until the twelve pages complete the year (it is also good to include the year)
-take the 12 templates and copy each one for enough days to complete each month
*make sure to refer to a calendar to make sure the number of days are accurate
-the numbering of each page can be done either all at once or day by day




Second tool for organization
Simple or Emergency mapping tool

What you will need:
-a map of your area, city or town, with the location of your home marked clearly.(this will be used as a reference when making your map)
-to identify the destinations that you will want to map for quick reference(ie:the nearest hospital, some close friends homes, the veterinary clinic, post office ect.)
-any type of paper or card stock to write on that you wish *keep in mind that the maps should remain small enough to carry easily
-pens, pencils-at least 2 different colours is a good idea (*I have included an example of this simple mapping idea)

What you will do:

-chose the destinations that are important to you and take the best route to get there
-take your map and as you go identify markers that are less likely to move (traffic lights, cross roads, easily identifiable buildings, parks ect.)
-with your makers and routes draw out a simple version of the route and at where every useful maker is located make a small check box
-number each check box in order until the destination
-include on your map the destination, the starting point and what the check boxes represent
-you can either chose markers that are all the same—like traffic lights-or you can use lots of different makers-either way make sure to identify on your map what maker is where on the route (*this is the only way to track your progress and keep you on moving in the right way)
-keep these small maps with you, either in your day book or wallet so that you can access them when needed