Physical (Analog) Calendars Save Caregivers Time
If you’re looking for new ways of doing things in the New Year, consider these analog calendars by the House of Doolittle. They offer a variety of calendar formats to help caregivers stay organized through 2016. The Caregiver’s Voice reviews two formats.
While many of us schedule our lives virtually and sync our online calendars with our smartphones, some of us still like the look and feel of a physical calendar. I’ve been using both formats for over a dozen years.
The House of Doolittle’s Three-Month Vertical Calendar
When I have my virtual (Google) calendar open to an appointment, it’s easier to look up at a wall calendar displaying a few months at a time to see what was and what is before scheduling something. This analog overview allows me to continue taking notes online, while I’m talking on the phone with a client.
The format is particularly helpful. You can choose which three months to display. I prefer seeing the prior, current, and following months. You may want to view the current calendar quarter, instead. Turn to the page to display the current month at the top. The sturdy book wire makes hanging from a hook or nail easy. The calendar measures 8 inches wide by 17 inches long. Mine (pictured) hangs on the wall about three feet from where I sit.
A minor feature issue is the size of the 12 months displayed across the bottom. If I really wanted to refer to them, I’d have to get up from my chair (a good idea anyway) and look at them with a magnifying glass. (I have vintage eyes.)
There are two additional useful features in this three-month calendar. One, the holidays are marked. (When is Easter, this year?) Two, there are two numbers in the upper left corner of each square noting the date. The first indicates how many days have passed in the year, while second, how many days remain. For example, Valentine’s Day is the 45th day of the year with 321 days remaining. (By the way, did you know that 2016 is a leap year with 366 days?)
For people who prefer a physical record of their notes instead of virtual entry in a computer or tablet, this House of Doolittle Meeting Planner accommodates 110 meetings. (Pages for two meetings are displayed in the image.) The hardcover spiral bound edition is of solid quality construction, except the pages, which may be a bit too thin for those who press hard or write with heavier inks. 
Notes would then press or bleed through to the reverse side.
The format is functional with Date, Start Time, Topic, Attendees, offering more than a half page for Notes with a space big enough for Action Items. Across both pages at the bottom is the entire year making it convenient to plan ahead.
Caregivers can use this during family care plan meetings or doctor’s appointments, keeping a loved one’s important information in one place. This Meeting Planner is also a perfect choice for a volunteer secretary recording notes during weekly meetings. (I plan to give this as a gift to the new secretary of a local organization.) An organized caregiver who’s trying to stay on top of information may find this a convenient tool during caregiver support group meetings. A bonus feature is the three-year calendar on the last page. Definitely, a useful feature for people planning beyond the current year.
The House of Doolittle’s products are made in the U.S.A. featuring 100% post-consumer paper, soy-based inks, and recycled cover materials and book wire. Products are available through Shoplet, a leading e-tailer of business and office supplies.
