Dementia Can Be Haunting, Too!

And what about the TV's in the common areas of nursing homes? (Not to mention the ones in the patients' private rooms). Are they being monitored for their content? Is the nursing staff aware of the danger of the TV to the minds of the dementia and Alzheimer patients? I'm afraid that personnel/caregivers/family members may not understand when these patients/sufferers awaken in an agitated or fearful or incomprehensible state of mind. Do they look at the dementia/Alzheimer sufferer as being crazy? Do they understand that it is the mind of the person reacting to external stimuli in an un-ordinary way? Do they provide comforting and reassurance to these sufferers? Do they bring them back to reality in a slow, caring manner...or do they slough it off as craziness and just give more medication to quiet them down?

(My husband suggests that the television in common areas or private rooms might show old movies, old TV shows from the 50's maybe... during the Halloween and Christmas times...and that any shows watched be previewed, if possible, for any violent or "scary" moments.)

I worry about these things. Someday, I will be living at the mercy of those around me. I hope I can help make a change before that happens. I hope everyone who reads this and who knows anything about what is happening...I hope you will add a comment. I hope, too, to hear from people in the early stages of dementia (as I am) or Alzheimer's...Our voices together can make a difference!

Read more on the dangers of tv for elders in Jacqueline Marcell's blog Don't Let Those With Dementia Watch the News!