Benefits of Movies for Someone Living with Dementia
Why are Movies Good for People Living with Alzheimer's?
Short-term memory is most often affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, yet for people living with one or more forms, their memories from the past are usually well-preserved. Therefore, movies that they enjoyed when they were younger can be a source of comfort and enjoyment when everyday life is confusing and unnerving. Movies can help stimulate memories which may lead to conversation, consequently helping to reduce feelings of isolation. Regardless of the type of film preferred, watching movies together with loved ones can help generate a feeling of closeness with them that family may be struggling to experience as the person’s dementia progresses.
Helping Hands have been supporting people living with dementia for over 30 years, so if you or a loved one would appreciate dementia care at home that’s fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales, talk to our friendly customer care team today.
Tips for Choosing the Right Movie or TV Show?
Even if someone is not a big movie fan, there will most likely be a film from their past that sparks a happy memory. This could be because a cherished loved one took them to see it, or because the building where it was screened held special significance. To get the most out of watching movies together though it’s important that the film or genre in question actually means something to the person, or they may get little benefit from the experience.
For instance, if a person who loves Westerns is made to sit through a musical it may end up as a negative experience for them which will cause frustration and potentially behaviour that can challenge. Finding movies that are easy to follow, upbeat and fun, non-violent, and that don’t focus on death is also important so that the person isn’t subjected to images that may upset or confuse them.
Alzheimers.net reported a survey carried out by care website ‘A Place for Mom’ to see which genre of movie was most popular amongst their service users. “By far, musicals…received the most recommendations. Some favorite actors include Shirley Temple, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Doris Day, Elvis Presley and Humphrey Bogart.”
Music and music therapy has been proven to benefit some people living with dementia, so by sharing a beloved musical together and singing along to familiar numbers, a person living with dementia can have a positive, social experience that can benefit them in many ways.
How Movies Help Someone Living with Dementia
If movies are being put on as a group social activity in a residential setting or cinema, it can also be an enjoyable social event, although certain conditions will need to be adhered to so that everyone remains comfortable. Even so, the noise of many people singing along over a movie or TV show may be too much for some people to manage, and the people involved should be monitored for signs of distress or discomfort. Some local cinemas and theatres now put on special showings for people living with dementia, with quiet zones, limited numbers, and muted lighting to help comfort levels be maintained.
Watching family cine films or home movies from decades gone by is also a valuable shared social experience that loved ones can enjoy. Age UK undertook a project where home movies from years gone by were used to promote the wellbeing of people living with dementia. They stated that “Showing archive footage stimulates discussions about life when the users were younger, ranging from fashion faux pas in the 60s to getting free milk at school.” One of the participants added, “It’s like the years peeling back – the memories are all still there, it just needs a trigger.”
The benefits of a good movie include:
Feeling calmer and having a sense of belonging
It’s not just favourite movies that can help people to feel calmer and more comfortable in their surroundings. Music, art, and all sorts of creative pursuits have been known to benefit people living with dementia, and they can aid in reminiscence therapy too.
Enjoying a positive shared experience
For loved ones of someone living with dementia, it can be extremely distressing to feel they’re ‘slipping away’. By sharing an activity where their loved one seems to respond to what they’re seeing, both parties can benefit
Improving mood by fostering engagement
As a person’s dementia progresses they can sometimes exhibit behaviour that challenges. Offering stimuli that triggers memories from decades earlier can help someone to feel calmer and less anxious, and be less likely to feel frustrated or angry
Bridging generational gaps
Children especially may be having difficulty understanding the behaviours that dementia can cause, but by sharing social activities and giving them precious memories of the person to remember they’ll have a valuable memory to cherish
How Can Helping Hands Help with Dementia Care?
Helping Hands have been supporting our customers to live well with dementia since we were established in 1989, so it’s no exaggeration to say we really are considered the UK’s dementia care at home experts. By offering person-centred, visiting care and live-in care to all of our customers across England and Wales, we ensure that people get to live their very best lives in the homes they love, while their loved ones get reassurance that they’re being supported with every aspect of their daily routine. Many of our customers begin by having some help with housework, medication, and accessing their community, while others also need us for personal care, mobility support, and meal preparation. Regardless of the complexity of a person’s condition, or the aspects of their daily life that we can help with, our carers make all the difference, whether for an hour a day or around the clock.