Caregiving Task Management | The Case for a Small Notebook

How do you manage your daily tasks?
There are many ways to do it, such as using smartphone or PC apps, or keeping a paper planner.

Today, I would like to introduce a recommended method that I have been using ever since I started taking care of my parents.

1. The Case for a Small Notebook

I use a small notebook to manage my caregiving tasks.
I consolidate everything into one small notebook, including things to do, shopping lists, documents that need to be prepared, and my schedule.

The small notebook I highly recommend is the MUJI Passport Memo.

Its size, design, and price are all 'just right,' which is what makes it so appealing.

2. Why I Recommend Handwritten Notes Over Smartphone Apps

Personally, I recommend handwritten notes over smartphone apps.
The reasons are as follows.

1. You have the freedom to add or correct things later

2. It is faster to write by hand

3. You can look back on your actions later

Personally, the third reason is especially significant.
When I look back at my notes, I can fondly remember things like, 'Oh, that happened back then,' or 'I was worried about this at the time.'

3. Why I Recommend the Passport Memo

Among the many small handwritten notebooks out there, my reasons for recommending the MUJI Passport Memo are as follows.

(1) The perfect size

First of all, the size of the Passport Memo is just perfect.
It measures about 12cm x 9cm.
The 24-page count is also just right—not too many, not too few.

This size fits easily into a pants pocket.
I always kept a Passport Memo and a ballpoint pen in my right pants pocket so I could write things down immediately whenever something came up.

Especially when a parent is hospitalized, you receive a lot of communication from hospitals, community comprehensive support centers, care managers, city offices, and more.
There are also mountains of things to buy and documents to prepare.

At times like that, this passport-sized memo pad is very convenient because you can take it out and write in it at any time.

(2) Simple, without unnecessary ruled lines

Passport memo pads come in three patterns of cover colors and interior designs, and their appeal lies in their simple, understated look.
It's also nice that you can choose one to suit your preferences.

By the way, I personally love the navy cover with the dot grid.
I like that the dots are subtle enough not to get in the way of writing.

(3) Easy on the wallet

At 120 yen (tax included) per book, they are very reasonable.
You can write in them freely without worrying about "wasting paper" or feeling like you "have to write neatly."

Although the price is reasonable, they don't feel cheap at all.
The paper quality is good and easy to write on, and the cover has just the right amount of firmness and is sturdy.

4. What I write in my memo pad

I'm embarrassed by my messy handwriting, but I'll share the small notebook I actually use in the hope that it might be helpful as a reference.

What I write in my small notebook is mainly the following:

• Tasks to do

• Things to buy

• Documents to prepare

• Schedules for meetings, applications, etc.

Conclusion

In caregiving, things to do really do come up one after another.
Just when you think one task is finished, a new one appears right away.
It's impossible to remember everything, so task management using a memo pad or smartphone app is essential.

I hope you can find a task management method that works well for you and manage to get things done.