Unplugged
Today I called Dish Network and totally cancelled our account. Several weeks ago I unplugged everything related to the TV, because having it on had become too upsetting for Bob. For some time now, he’s been unable to follow any type of program, even one as simple as the Andy Griffith Show. What happens is that for someone with Alzheimer’s, what’s on TV can appear to be reality. If they see a fire, say, on the news or in a show, they’re likely to think the fire is right there in front of them. As for me, I haven’t even missed watching TV; there are better ways to waste time!
I’ve read about nursing homes and assisted living facilities using music to make residents more comfortable with their surroundings. They’ll pipe in satellite radio stations from the 30s and 40s, or have CDs or tape players set up in common areas.
Classical music often helped put my grandfather at ease.
Yes, studies have shown, and caregivers have reported, that music helps elicit memories in people with AD and helps calm them.
At some point, some of the “baby boomers” will have AD, and the music that will help them will be … rock and roll! Nursing homes are going to be lively places when that happens.
Yeeehaaaa!
Uh-oh. What if they only play Barry Manilow and disco? How do we smuggle in our Hendrix and the Talking Heads?