Howard Falkinburg

During the course of my rehabilitation, I have discovered the following apps essential for my emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. I’m not including the obvious apps such as phone, Mail, Messages, etc.

All but one of these are Apps not included move to sentence scratch it with the purchase of a phone. I have an iPhone. Most of these are free and most offer upgrades for a fee.

Notes

I used notes a lot. This is an app you don’t have to download yourself. Unless you choose to have a different phone app. 

I currently have 39 total notes saved. I list movies and books I’d like to see. Keep track agenda items I want to speak with regarding doctors, therapists, or friends. The listings of all my passwords are tucked away in one convenient note. I jot down highlights after doctor appointments.

Google Docs

I frequently use this app in writing content for blogging. On one of my docs, there is a running list of blogging topics. I do the voice to text technology. It’s easy for me to proofread and make corrections. 

You can also convert a Google document to Microsoft Word and attach the document to an email. 

Mindfulness Coach

This is an awesome app to help me develop mindfulness skills. Most exercises are about 13 minutes in length. A variety of different techniques are available such as, mindfulness of the senses, the body, breathing. Etc.

Reminders

Another app included with the phone. I use this app for my shopping list and general reminders of things I need to do. You can set a time and date, which I find helpful in prioritizing and following up.

Shipt

Since I’m dependent on public transportation, it is no longer convenient for me to hop in my chariot to run errands or grocery shop. I use shipt for almost all my grocery shopping. Meijer, target, Walgreens, Forest Hills Foods, etc. Free delivery for orders beyond $35.

Spotify

Links with Alexa. I listen to podcasts, create music playlists, exploring new genres, and audiobooks.  

Calendar

When I was initially paralyzed in 2018, I received a steady stream of visitors. Was getting overwhelmed and exhausted as I would receive multiple visitors per day. Sometimes they came in simultaneously by accident.

I was unable to use my calendar app for several months. Eventually, Apple developed Voice commands on the phone.

Now I use the calendar app to schedule visits, doctor appointments, and meeting friends. 

And I rarely double booked myself now!

Audible

This is my choice for listening to e-books. It makes recommendations based on my reading habits. Being a man who researches every purchase imaginable, Audible has star ratings up to five points. I’ll read the reviews of previous readers. If interested, I will either save the book or just make my purchase.

I also have a library app called Hoopla. You can get a wide selection of e-books and audiobooks free of charge. You have 21 days to read/ listen.

The main advantage for the library app is that books are free. Disadvantages are that you may have to wait several weeks for a book and three week timeline.

Amazon

Need I say more?

Roku

This app links with my Wi-Fi on the TV. Using voice control, I am able to use Roku to select movies and shows to watch.

My Net Diary

My chosen app in monitoring my calories, fiber intake, carbs, etc. Goals in the app helps me monitor by daily and weekly progress. I need to consume 100 milliliters of protein per day.

I invite your feedback regarding any of these apps. Please let me know if you have any Apps that may be helpful for me and other people with disabilities.