-
Less is More
As I've mentioned before in relation to an image - less is more. This
applies to the viewing of images also. Don't overload a care-recipient
with too much visual information. It is tiring and then it becomes
boring. We all switch off when a program no longer holds our
interest.
So select which resident/s would like the fun movie, or the
quiet version, or who would prefer the longer relaxing movie. And this
will change from day to day. A home-carer can use the DVDs in different
ways on different days for an individual care-recipient.
I
suggest the
fun versions and themed crossword video games are best played in morning
activity programs. The longer more relaxing videos are ideal in the
afternoon or evening, or for a frail aged person to view when they may
not be able to participate in a groups' activities.
Some of these DVD Viewing Tips may also be applied to watching
television and projector screenings
Appropriate
Selection - View the DVD first yourself or with your team - Choose a
movie from the themed DVD that is appropriate to your group or
individual. A different movie may be better on any given day for a
care-recipient or to suit your planned activities
Quiet Viewing Area - View the DVD movie with your care-recipient in
a quiet area
Avoid
Distracting Noise - Make sure there are no distracting noises within
your care-recipients hearing range
Avoid
Distracting Bright Lights - Make sure there are no bright lights or
bright windows in the area of the television, behind or to the side, as
these will be distracting.
A Softly Dimmed Viewing Area - Softly dimmed environment is
best. A totally darkened room however may be too uncomfortable
for a person with dementia
Avoid
Distracting Activities - Make sure there are not other activities taking
place within your care-recipients view. These activities can for example
include someone cleaning, carers performing duties or other residents'
visitors, etc.
Be Prepared - Be ready to pause the movie if your person in care
(or group) begins to chat about an image or sequence. It may be an
obvious, direct memory stimulation or it may not appear to be related to
the subject. We all have memory connections that seem unrelated to others.
Just go with the flow of the moment.
Faster, Fun Movies - All our DVDs have a 10-11 minute fun movie on
the disc. These movies present video clips and images at shorter viewing
times, 3-6 seconds for still images. The music is usually a faster tempo
also. Our fun movies include additional footage and the subjects vary
between themes. Predictable humour may include: myths, ideology, proverbs
or a cliche'. Also some natural occurring bloopers from On Location shoots
found in Judi's editing-clip-room. These movies are recommended for a
morning activity session.
Relaxing, Reminiscent Movies - Our 28 minute movies are designed
for morning, afternoon or evening viewing. They are suitable for people
with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, cognitive disability and also frail
aged people. Still images in these movies are presented for 6-12 seconds
to support engagement. Some filming sequences are a little longer to
provide the opportunity for communication, whether verbal or non-verbal.
Replay
the DVD Music - After viewing, replay the DVD but turn the picture
off/black. Allow time for relaxation or possible recollection of a
movie scene or past experiences
Use our
DVD Music as an Activity - Turn television screen
to off/black. Select a 28min or 10min movie for its' music and play
as a background or opportunity for picturing ideas or reminiscence
Keep
it Simple - Don 't overload care-recipients with too many images
and activities in one sitting
Use
a Non-verbal Book - Use a matching themed
non-verbal Picture
Book
with the
DVD Film Stills as a support to the viewing experience and
assist memory stimulation
Use
Film Stills - Use a matching themed DVD Film Still images adhered
to cardboard as repetition to support memory stimulation.