Rydel Long Term Care Planning

Looking after your aging parents or your spouse can take a significant toll, especially if you are the primary caregiver.  If your parent or spouse is exhibiting signs of Alzheimer Disease (AD) or other dementia, watching television might seem to be a good way to keep them occupied for an hour or two.  However, this can be deceiving as watching some of the programs on television in this day and age can prove to be more stressful than soothing.  People with dementia have a difficult time processing information and seeing violent behaviour depicted on the television leaves them feeling afraid.  They may find it difficult to put their fears into words but they will become overly agitated and perhaps even aggressive.  As a caregiver, you will be the person dealing with these feelings of frustration. 

If you really need some down time and you know that your parent or spouse enjoys watching the television, choose the programs carefully.  Watching the news is not a good idea.  A better alternative would be to rent an old movie that is a comedy or a musical.  Nature programs can be restful provided that there are no scenes of predator and prey or animals in danger.  This can be especially troublesome for someone who likes animals.  Unfortunately, your job may be to screen the movies before you let your parent or spouse see them. 

Often your local library will have a supply of old movies or even a selection of old comedy shows that will bring many a happy memory to your loved one.  Don’t worry if they want to watch the same show over and over again.  They will still experience the happy feelings associated with the show.  Watching these programs will give both of you an opportunity to reminisce about times gone by and hopefully the feelings of happiness and/or calm will remain for the remainder of the day.