Sounds like you have worked out at pretty good system. I agree “experts” only can say what works for many people, but as we are all individuals sometimes we need a more bespoke answer.

I hope the doctor apologised for being late, especially when it resulted in so much unnecessary stress for you.

Next, I say into my iPhone, “Hey Siri, set an appointment for (date) with (name) and then I can manually add in further notes and a reminder a few minutes, hours or a day before.

I will sometimes also say, “Hey Siri, set an alarm for (time) ” to give me an audible reminder to go somewhere or do something.

(if I get lost or disoriented getting home, Siri also comes to the rescue ?)

My paper calendar has a month at a glance and 2 pages per day, and it is a habit to write down what I did on a given day, because my sense of time is absolutely surreal.

Some “experts” strongly recommend paper OR digital Calendars.

When there is loss of short-term memory and other executive functions, paper AND digital seems to work best.

Notes written on 3 x 5 index cards also make sorting tasks, appointments, reminders & priorities a little easier.

Having just ONE PLACE to keep notes and loose papers also helps. ? Always visible, of course!

Early in my recovery, I had a long drive to a new location to see a Doctor who had knowledge of Brain Injury.

When I arrived, the door was locked, there was no answer on the telephone line, and painters were working in the office building hallway. I simply sat on the floor and sobbed hysterically. The doctor was just running late, and arrived about 15 minutes late, and during the session mentioned that the little “incident” in the hallway was not unusual for a brain injury survivor. ?

I have since learned many compensatory strategies and I’m happy to report I generally make it to appointments on time and have not collapsed sobbing into a puddle of tears in a few years.

It gets different, doesn’t it?

Thanks for your blog! Write on!

Yes I have started using a diary and my phone, but I need to be more disciplined as I still don’t put everything in both or check enough.

I’ve been using a diary but you’re right, a calendar would really help. Then James could see it too and he might give me another nudge. Thanks, I need to stop being so stubborn and accept that this simple solution will help me so much.