You might not think of watching movies as a form of therapy, but for in-home nursing care, it can be a powerful tool.
Movies can help elders and clients with dementia feel more relaxed and calmer and provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. In addition, movies can help stimulate conversation and memory recall, which are important for nursing care at home.
Below we’ll explore the benefits of movie-watching for elders and some tips to get the most out of this therapeutic activity.
Advantages of Movie Watching for Elders
When it comes to the advantages of movie watching for elders with dementia, there is plenty to be mentioned. For starters, movies provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. They can take elders back to happy moments in their lives or help them explore new and exciting worlds.
Movies also stimulate the mind in many ways. They can challenge memory recall, provide clues for problem-solving, and enhance creativity. In addition, movies help to reduce loneliness and isolation by providing a shared experience with others.
All these benefits make movies an excellent tool for nursing care at home. So why not pop a DVD next time you visit your elderly loved one?
Tips for Coaxing Them to Watch a Movie
They may be hesitant when you first mention the idea of watching a movie. They may think that it’s a waste of time or that they won’t be able to follow along. But with some coaxing, you can get them to watch a movie—and enjoy it!
Some tips for getting them on board:
- Start with something familiar. If they’re fans of specific actors or genres, start with a movie that falls into one of those categories.
- Make it an interactive experience. Get them involved in the movie by asking questions about what’s happening on-screen.
- Keep it short. Movies don’t have to be two hours long! Choose one that’s around an hour long, so they don’t get bored.
- Reward them for watching. After the movie ends, compliment them and tell them how much you enjoyed it too.
Creates a relaxing, stress-free environment for seniors
There’s nothing like a good movie when you’re in the mood for some relaxation. Movies can help create a calm, stress-free environment and take the mind off of any problems or concerns for elders in in-home nursing care Petaluma. They’re also a great way to escape the reality of a situation and enter into a new, imaginary world. For elders with dementia, movies can be especially beneficial because they can help stimulate memory and encourage conversation.
We love incorporating movies into our clients’ care plans because they’re versatile and enjoyable for everyone involved. So why not add one to your next care plan? We promise you won’t regret it!
Potential Challenges When Using Movies as Therapy
Using movies as therapy for dementia patients can be rewarding, but there may be some challenges about which you should know. One of the biggest challenges is finding age-appropriate content that is still enjoyable and engaging. If you are considering using movies, take the time to research what’s available to ensure that the content is easy to understand and appropriate for the elder or patient in question.
Another challenge is trying to keep the attention of someone with dementia for a longer time. Engaging them for more than a few minutes can be challenging and may require patience and creativity. One way around this is stopping the movie frequently, allowing discussion around what has already been seen or heard, then continuing with another short segment. This will help keep their attention and encourage further engagement with the movie and others in conversation. Technology has enabled nursing homes to care for patients with hundreds of facilities.
Movie watching can be informative and educational
Movie watching can also be informational and educational. As you know, providing quality care for elders is more than just being a companion—it’s about being able to make decisions based on knowledge and understanding. Care providers who watch movies with their patients expand their understanding of the world around them.
Movies can help individuals learn about different cultures, histories, and locations in an entertaining way. They can better understand social issues, politics, or any subject matter that the movie covers.
In addition to being informative and educational, movies can open up important conversations between care providers and clients about complex topics such as death, loss, family dynamics, or coping with hardships. Watching movies together can help individuals to understand each other’s perspectives in a non-judgmental way.
A good, classic movie can inspire pleasant memories
You can also use classic movies to take elders back in time, sparking pleasant memories and even a few laughs. With a good, classic movie, there’s a nostalgic feel that allows past memories to resurface.
In other words, the familiar scenes and well-known faces bring the elders back to a time when they were happy. The happy memories they had previously become vibrant again when they watch the movie.
It would help if you also considered that classic movies are much easier for elders to understand than present-day films. Classic movies tend to be slower paced, with less dialogue, making it easier for them to process what’s happening.
Classic movies are also more likely to focus on emotions and humor than complex plots, making them much more entertaining for your elderly loved one.
Wrapping Up!
When it comes to in-home nursing care and elder care, movies provide a great way to keep your loved one stimulated and engaged. Not only can movies provide a welcome break for caregivers, but they can also offer various benefits for elders with dementia. From improving mood and reducing anxiety to providing valuable social interaction, movies can be a powerful tool in the fight against dementia.
Check out our service pages to discover more about how a caretaker may assist your loved one with daily chores.