Suggestions for software for keeping track of everything

allit

I think I should start keeping stuff organized and am wondering if anyone is using any particular software that they find useful. So far, everything I have has just been written down in a book and the stuff that's printed off is in a folder. I would love to just get everything into a program that will make it easy for me to just use an electronic tablet preferably - or I could use a laptop. I think a tablet would be easier to transport.

​fesk

Hi allit,

I'll be watching this thread for suggestions. I just use regular word docs on the computer. I also have some items organized in a binder.

One thing I will caution against is using any type of app for this purpose that cannot be backed up into another format. I kept my mom's info in an app and the developer stopped supporting it. I lost evertyhing.

allit

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/215113#Comment_215113

oh wow, thanks for that info about apps! Yeah I figure I’ll have hard copies for everything that I upload to any software.

Do you have a printer/scanner recommendation? I’m looking at those too.

H1235

What is it you are trying to organize?

SusanB-dil

I also just use 'Word' documents. I just have a folder on my regular computer with MIL's name. Then sub-folders as far as what we might need. 'Important papers', 'Doctor visits', 'Notes', etc. I've scanned in important papers, so if we just need a quick glance, I can just pull up that folder.

My printer/scanner/copier is just a fairly cheap 3-in-1 that I got at an office supply store. It does the job.

Staples has a Canon on sale: reg $79 on sale for $59, but can shop around.

allit

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/215163#Comment_215163

all the stuff lol. Legal documents, medical visits, medication changes, insurance bills, household bills, just stuff.

I think I’ll keep it simple and use something like Words doc that was suggested

H1235

I did an excel spreadsheet ( actually I use the google version) for medicines. She is on a lot of meds. I also included allergies, all her conditions(diabetes, IBS etc.) birthday and the phone number for my brother and I all on the same sheet. This comes in handy at the doctors office when they want to know what medication she is on. When I was putting them in pill dispensers I also had a grid after each medication so I could check them off as I put them in the dispenser. I also made a spreadsheet for monthly bills. I still do paper copies so as bills are paid I record the date paid and file them in a box. For receipts I use an envelope for each month. On the front I record the date, place of purchase and $. I keep a copy of all legal documents in a handy spot and all original in a safe. Since she has moved to AL I have started writing down when I bring supplies. I’m hoping this will help me with when she needs things. I purchase mom’s medicine and bring it in to AL. Her insurance will not cover medication through the pharmacy the AL facility uses. I record in a note book the date each medication in brought in. To cover my butt I also take a picture of the medicine next to the sign in at AL. I have found this works pretty well for me.

Jeanne C.

I use Evernote. It's easy to set up sub folders, attach files, etc. Also I can access from my phone, tablet, and laptop. You can also connect to your calendar.

Iris L.

Jeanne, where could I find Evernote?

Iris

jfkoc

google docs

​fesk

allit, I do not have a recommendation for a scanner. If you will not be doing a lot of scanning, there are free programs for the phone that can assemble pictures into a PDF. If a good amount of scanning will be done, I would get an actual scanner. I'm going to be reorganizing a bunch of papers soon, I may check out Evernote too.

Jeanne C.

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/215253#Comment_215253

Evernote can be downloaded from the app store or Google play depending on your device. Go to the evernote website to download it to your laptop. There's a free version if you want to try it out. For more features and storage you would need to upgrade.

concerned_sister

I help my brother with finances, and I keep his budget in a spreadsheet. I've been doing this for myself for probably a decade. As one year ends and the next approaches, I just dupe the prior year and keep all the recurring bills there and blank out all the little optional things (like an entry for McDonalds). I have a formula for the running balance pre-populated, and each month is color coded. When I started helping him, with his permission I downloaded the last couple of months of his bank statements and build from there. I work with DB and wife on a weekly basis as they (she) go(es) in and update the planned amounts with the actuals and enter all the incidentals. This has really helped with their self disciple on impulse spending.

A second thing I'd recommend is NOK box. NOK = Next of Kin. This is a folder system to help organize Legal Papers, Insurance Papers, Memberships, etc. Once I paid for the kit, I created a spreadsheet based on all their folders and subcategories. This was recommended to me by my brother who lost his wife suddenly - he said this was an organized approach to all those things he had to struggle with after her sudden passing.

Iris L.

Jeanne, thank you for the location of Evernote. As of now, I don't have a laptop, I am using my smartphone.

CS, where to get a NOK box kit?

Iris

jfkoc

do use a safe deposit box for documents. My daughter has one of the keys. My attorney has the originals. I also have policies etc in there.

allit

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/215355#Comment_215355

https://www.thenokbox.com/

Looks nice and organized

Iris L.

Thanks for posting, allit! That looks great! "Leave memories, not a mess." That's just what I need. I have a file cabinet but things are a bit jumbled.

Itis

Anna2022

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/215355#Comment_215355

Iris, I got the NOK Box here: https://www.thenokbox.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=666241950653&tw_campaign=20382302333&gclid=CjwKCAjw7s20BhBFEiwABVIMrVmKKb5kf7v24QUu94kPaVvhPApjZhL2AfzBAGWguYnJKGavxOF7OBoCh6oQAvD_BwE I purchased one a few months ago and got through the majority of files over a long weekend. I got the "Lite" version and used my own files and filing cabinet. it's been helpful!