TV Tips: To See or Not to See?
Television, movies, and audiotapes can be delightful activities for people with Alzheimer's disease. If you are caring for a person with this illness, these activities can offer positive things to share with him or her. If they hold your loved one's interest, they can also give you a reprieve to tend to other tasks like cooking and paying bills.
You'll need to screen your loved one's "screen time" to make sure that shows aren't too
fast paced, confusing, or agitating.
If watching TV or listening to music are enjoyable for your loved one, look for material that offers:
• A predictable routine (like a soap opera every afternoon or a game show every night)
• Direct eye contact with TV personalities so it looks like the person on TV is talking to your loved one.
• Simple information that is easy to understand
• An opportunity to reminisce and relax "with" a favorite actor or actress from long ago
• A familiar scene or song that can soothe or distract an agitated individual
Ask family members or friends to make an audiotape for your loved one. They can describe a happy time, recite a favorite poem or story, or give a few words of encouragement. Your loved one might enjoy listening to these tapes on a Walkman.
