Frequently Asked Questions
What makes AnchorPoint different from other journaling apps?
AnchorPoint is specifically designed for individuals with memory challenges and their caregivers. Key differentiators include:
- Medical Focus: Categories and features tailored for health tracking
- Custom Fields: Dynamic forms that adapt to different entry types
- Appointment Integration: Comprehensive medical appointment management
- Privacy-First: All data stays on your device, never uploaded to servers
- Export Capability: Generate professional reports for healthcare providers
- Speech Recognition: Voice-to-text for easier entry creation
How do custom fields work and when should I use them?
Custom fields allow you to collect specific information for different categories:
- Sleep Category: Automatically includes "Sleep Hours" (number) and "Times Awake" (number)
- Medication Category: You could add fields like "Medication Name" (text), "Dosage" (text), "Time Taken" (time)
- Exercise Category: Add "Duration" (number), "Activity Type" (text), "Intensity Level" (text)
To add custom fields:
- Go to Information → Category Settings
- Select a category and tap "Edit"
- Add custom fields with names, types, and required status
- Fields appear automatically when creating entries in that category
How secure is my personal health information in AnchorPoint?
AnchorPoint prioritizes your privacy with multiple security layers:
- Local Storage Only: All data is stored on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework
- No Cloud Sync: Your information never leaves your device unless you explicitly export it
- Device Security: Protected by your device's passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID
- Sandboxed App: iOS isolates app data from other applications
- No Analytics: We don't collect usage data or personal information
Even if you delete the app, your data is completely removed from the device.
What appointment types are available and can I add my own?
AnchorPoint includes 15+ pre-configured appointment types relevant to dementia and memory care:
- Doctor
- Specialist
- Neurologist
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech Therapist
- Social Worker
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Audiologist
- Dietitian
- Podiatrist
- Other (custom)
To add custom appointment types, go to Information → Appointment Type Settings and create new types as needed.
How do the different notification options work for appointments?
AnchorPoint offers three flexible notification timing options:
- Morning of appointment (9:00 AM): Day-of reminder to ensure you don't forget
- 3 days before: Advance notice to prepare, arrange transportation, or gather questions
- 1 week before: Early planning reminder for complex appointments
You can enable any combination of these notifications for each appointment. The app will request notification permissions when you first enable this feature.
Troubleshooting: If notifications aren't working, check Settings → AnchorPoint → Notifications and ensure they're enabled.
How does the mood tracking system work?
When creating entries in the "Mood Log" category, you can select from six mood types:
- Happy: Positive, content feelings
- Sad: Low, melancholy emotions
- Anxious: Worried, nervous feelings
- Angry: Frustrated, irritated emotions
- Confused: Disoriented, unclear thinking
- Frustrated: Annoyed, impatient feelings
Mood information appears in the Timeline view and is included in exported reports, helping track emotional patterns over time.
How do I effectively use the Timeline for tracking patterns?
The Timeline is designed for pattern recognition and data analysis:
- Date Filtering: Set specific date ranges to examine patterns (e.g., "How was my sleep last month?")
- Category Filtering: Focus on specific types of entries (e.g., only medication entries)
- Custom Field Review: See structured data like sleep hours, medication times, etc.
- Export for Analysis: Generate reports to share with healthcare providers
Pro Tips:
- Review weekly patterns by setting 7-day date ranges
- Look for correlations between different categories (e.g., sleep and mood)
- Export data before doctor appointments for comprehensive discussions
Can I edit or delete entries after creating them?
Yes! AnchorPoint provides full editing capabilities:
For Journal Entries (Timeline tab):
- Swipe left on any entry and tap "Edit" to modify all fields
- Swipe left and tap "Delete" to remove entries permanently
- Editing preserves all custom field data and allows changes to any component
For Appointments:
- Tap "Edit" button directly on appointment rows
- Swipe left to delete appointments
- Notification settings are preserved when editing
Warning: Deleted entries cannot be recovered, so export important data before major cleanups.
How does the speech-to-text feature work and what are its limitations?
AnchorPoint uses Apple's speech recognition technology for voice dictation:
How to Use:
- In any journal entry, tap the microphone button in the notes section
- Speak clearly and at a normal pace
- The app converts speech to text in real-time
- Tap "Stop Recording" when finished
Requirements:
- Microphone access permission
- Speech recognition permission
- Internet connection (for Apple's speech processing)
- Quiet environment for best accuracy
Limitations:
- Medical terminology may not be recognized perfectly
- Background noise can reduce accuracy
- Requires iOS speech recognition to be enabled
What happens to my data if I get a new device or delete the app?
Device Replacement:
AnchorPoint data does NOT automatically transfer to new devices because it's stored locally for privacy. Before switching devices:
- Use the Timeline export feature to save your data
- Email the exported files to yourself
- Save photos separately if needed
- Install AnchorPoint on your new device and start fresh
App Deletion:
- All journal entries, appointments, photos, and settings are permanently deleted
- Data cannot be recovered once the app is deleted
- Always export important data before deletion
Best Practice: Regularly export your timeline data as a backup, especially before iOS updates or device changes.
How can family members or caregivers help with AnchorPoint?
Family members and caregivers can provide valuable support:
Initial Setup:
- Help configure custom categories and fields relevant to specific conditions
- Set up appointment types for regular healthcare providers
- Create the first few entries together to establish patterns
- Configure notification preferences for appointments
Ongoing Support:
- Assist with daily entry creation, especially for complex custom fields
- Help with photo additions and speech-to-text when needed
- Regularly export timeline data for backup and healthcare provider sharing
- Monitor appointment notifications and provide additional reminders
Healthcare Coordination:
- Generate and share timeline exports with doctors
- Review patterns in the data to discuss with healthcare providers
- Help interpret custom field data trends
I'm having technical difficulties. How can I get help?
For technical support, please email us at sorapps.help@gmail.com with:
- Device Information: iPhone/iPad model and iOS version
- App Version: Found in Information tab
- Detailed Description: What you were trying to do when the issue occurred
- Steps to Reproduce: How to make the problem happen again
- Error Messages: Any specific error text or messages
- Screenshots: If applicable, include screenshots of the issue
Common Issues & Quick Fixes:
- Notifications not working: Check Settings → AnchorPoint → Notifications
- Speech recognition fails: Check Settings → Privacy & Security → Speech Recognition
- Camera not working: Check Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera
- App crashes: Try restarting your device and updating to the latest iOS version
We typically respond within 24-48 hours and will work with you to resolve any issues.
Recent Updates & New Features
Latest Version Features: AnchorPoint has been completely redesigned with powerful new capabilities for better memory tracking and healthcare management.
🎯 Custom Categories & Fields
NEW: Dynamic Category System
- Create unlimited custom categories with personalized icons
- Add specialized fields to any category (text, number, date, time, yes/no)
- Mark fields as required for consistent data collection
- Reorder categories to match your priorities
- Sleep category now includes default "Sleep Hours" and "Times Awake" fields
🏥 Enhanced Appointment Management
NEW: Professional Appointment System
- 15+ specialized appointment types including Neurologist, Speech Therapist, etc.
- Flexible notification system with three timing options
- Custom appointment types for specialized providers
- Automatic separation of upcoming and past appointments
- Comprehensive appointment editing and management
📊 Advanced Timeline & Export
IMPROVED: Timeline Analysis
- Display custom field values directly in timeline entries
- Enhanced filtering by date range and category
- Professional export reports including all custom field data
- Full-screen photo viewing with tap-to-expand
- Comprehensive entry editing from timeline view
😊 Enhanced Mood Tracking
EXPANDED: Mood System
- Six mood types: Happy, Sad, Anxious, Angry, Confused, Frustrated
- Mood information displayed in timeline and exports
- Automatic mood field for Mood Log category entries
- Historical mood pattern tracking
🔧 Improved User Experience
ENHANCED: Interface & Usability
- Redesigned category buttons with gradient styling
- Improved form validation with clear error indicators
- Enhanced date and time pickers for custom fields
- Better organization of settings in Information tab
- Streamlined entry creation flow
🛡️ Privacy & Security Enhancements
STRENGTHENED: Data Protection
- Continued local-only data storage with SwiftData
- Enhanced permission management for camera and microphone
- Improved data export security and formatting
- Better handling of photo storage and deletion
Migration Note: Existing users will see their old entries preserved, with new categories and features available immediately. Default categories are automatically updated to include enhanced functionality.
🔮 Coming Soon
Planned Features:
- Advanced pattern recognition and insights
- Medication reminder integration
- Enhanced export formats (PDF, structured data)
- Caregiver sharing capabilities
- Voice memo attachments
Privacy Policy for AnchorPoint
Last Updated:
AnchorPoint ("us", "we", or "our") operates the AnchorPoint mobile application (the "Service"). This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use our Service and the choices you have associated with that data.
We use your data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Information Collection and Use
AnchorPoint is designed as a private, local-only journaling and appointment management tool. We do not collect, transmit, or store your personal data on any external servers. All information you enter into the app, including journal entries, custom field data, photos, appointment details, mood logs, and other personal data, is stored locally on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework.
Data You Provide
- Journal Entries: Text notes, category selections, timestamps, custom field values, and associated mood types for mood log entries.
- Custom Categories & Fields: Category names, icons, custom field definitions, and their associated data values.
- Appointment Data: Provider names, appointment types, dates, times, notes, and notification preferences.
- Photos: Images you choose to attach to journal entries from your photo library or taken with the camera. Access to your photo library or camera is only requested when you choose to use these features.
- Speech-to-Text: If you use the dictation feature, audio is processed by Apple's speech recognition service to convert your speech into text. We do not store the audio data. The transcribed text is stored as part of your journal entry.
Device Permissions
- Camera Access: We request camera access solely to allow you to take photos to add to your journal entries. This access is only active when you choose to take a photo within the app.
- Microphone Access: We request microphone access solely for the speech-to-text dictation feature, allowing you to speak your journal notes. This access is only active when you explicitly start dictation.
- Speech Recognition Access: We request access to speech recognition to convert your spoken notes into text for your journal entries. This processing is handled by Apple's services according to their privacy policies.
- Photo Library Access: We request access to your photo library to allow you to select existing photos to add to your journal entries. This is handled through iOS's secure PhotosPicker interface.
- Notification Access: We request permission to send local notifications for appointment reminders. These notifications are generated locally on your device and do not involve external services.
Data Storage and Security
All data you enter into AnchorPoint is stored locally on your device within the app's sandboxed environment using Apple's SwiftData framework. We do not transmit your journal data, appointment information, photos, or any personal information to external servers or third parties. You maintain complete control over your data.
The security of your data is tied to the security of your device (e.g., device passcode, Face ID/Touch ID). We strongly recommend using these security features to protect your device and, by extension, your AnchorPoint data.
Data Sharing and Export
AnchorPoint does not automatically share your data with any third parties. The app includes an export feature that allows you to generate text-based summaries of your journal entries, including custom field data and appointment information. This export is initiated entirely by you, and you control where the exported file is shared or saved (e.g., via email, messaging apps, or saved to your files).
Exported data includes journal entry text, dates, categories, custom field values, mood information, and appointment details. Photos are noted in exports but are not included in the text-based export files.
Data Retention and Deletion
You can delete individual journal entries and appointments directly within the app at any time. Deleting the AnchorPoint application from your device will permanently delete all locally stored app data, including all journal entries, appointments, custom categories, custom fields, photos, and settings.
Because all data is stored locally, we cannot recover your data once it has been deleted from your device. We recommend regularly using the export feature to back up important information.
Third-Party Services
AnchorPoint uses the following Apple services, which are subject to Apple's privacy policies:
- Speech Recognition: Apple's speech recognition service processes audio for dictation features
- SwiftData: Apple's local data storage framework for secure, on-device data persistence
- PhotosPicker: Apple's secure photo selection interface
- Local Notifications: Apple's notification system for appointment reminders
We do not integrate any third-party analytics, advertising, or data collection services.
Children's Privacy
Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 13 ("Children"). We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your Child has provided us with Personal Data, please contact us. If we become aware that we have collected Personal Data from children without verification of parental consent, we take steps to remove that information from our service.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy within the app and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: sorapps.help@gmail.com