Viewing The Show

Here are some things to consider when viewing the show.

Can the viewer see the TV clearly? Make sure the TV is close enough. Avoid shadows or glare on the screen, if possible.

Can the viewer hear the TV clearly? Make sure the volume is loud enough. Try to keep other noises in the room to a minimum. People with memory loss often have trouble focusing on more than one sound.

Watch the show together with visitors. Enjoy the show as a break in your daily routine. Try watching the video when you have visitors. Talking about the topics seen in the show can help visitors feel comfortable and connected.

Encourage physical response. The show offers numerous opportunities to laugh, applaud, cheer, dance and even sing. Encourage such physical responses.

Talk about the show. One of the most effective things you can do is talk about the show with the viewer. The visuals, music and sound effects are a treasury of “discussion starters.” Use our Memory CPR strategy – Connect • Pause • Reflect – to stimulate conversation.

First Connect by making a short comment or asking a simple question about a section of the show. For example, if you saw the viewer enjoying a particular piece of music, Connect with “I loved that song” (and hum a few bars). Now Pause, maintain eye contact and quietly wait about 10 seconds to see if the viewer responds. It takes people with memory loss longer to gather their thoughts, so allow enough time for a response.

Once conversation begins, Reflect with the viewer, recounting personal experiences. If the viewer doesn’t respond, try another Connect statement or question. Stay on theme and always be positive.

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