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How Therapeutic TV Programs Help People with Dementia and Their Caregivers

Updated: 7 days ago

Therapeutic TV can help people with Dementia and their caregivers.

For many people, watching TV is a fun way to relax. But for people living with Dementia, regular TV shows can be confusing or stressful. Fast-talking, loud music, and flashing lights can be overwhelming. That’s why special TV programs, like Zinnia TV*, Memory Lane TV, and even some YouTube channels, have been created just for them. These programs are made to be peaceful, simple, and comforting for both people with Dementia and the caregivers who love and support them. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these therapeutic TV services work, what they have in common, and what makes each one special.


What Is Therapeutic TV?

Therapeutic TV is not just for fun — it’s meant to help people feel better. For people with Dementia, it can help them feel calm, connected, and even happy. These programs are made with soft music, slow movements, and familiar images. There’s no fast action, loud shouting, or confusing storylines. Instead, viewers might see:


  • Babies cooing

  • Waves gently rolling onto a beach

  • Birds flying in the sky

  • A person baking cookies or planting flowers

  • Old-time music that sparks memories


Therapeutic TV helps reduce stress, ease anxiety, and bring smiles. It can also help caregivers by making daily life smoother.


What These Programs Have in Common

Whether it’s Zinnia TV*, Memory Lane TV, or a YouTube video, these services share some essential qualities:


  • They are peaceful and calm. The shows are designed to relax, not excite.

  • They show familiar or joyful scenes. Many people recognize things like music, cooking, babies, or pets — even if they can’t remember names or places.

  • They help create a routine. Watching a calming video can make hard times of day (like bathing or bedtime) a little easier.

  • They support caregivers. When the person being cared for is calm, the caregiver also gets a break.

  • They leverage a technique called reminiscence therapy, which helps individuals recall fond memories from their past.

  • They require an internet connection.

  • The paid services offer free trials.


These programs are made with love and care. They are a helpful tool for families dealing with memory loss.


Memory Lane TV: Affordable, Accessible Multisensory Programming for Memory Loss

Memory Lane TV is an excellent option. It combines peaceful visuals with scientific research. The creators work with doctors, memory care experts, and families to build each video with care. With the required app installed, it’s very easy to use on SMART TVs, mobile tablets, and mobile phones.


Family plans are monthly, while business and care community plans are annual.


YouTube Channels: Free and Easy to Access

Not everyone can subscribe to a paid TV service. That’s where YouTube can help. There are many free YouTube channels made for people living with Dementia. Without a specific app, other than an internet browser, you can play it on almost any device. That said, there is also a YouTube app.


Zinnia TV: Videos that diminish agitation, foster connection & engagement, and ease daily activities.

Another excellent option is Zinnia TV. It is one of the best-known therapeutic TV services for people with Dementia. It offers a wide range of videos that are quiet, gentle, and easy to follow. With the required app installed, it’s very easy to use on SMART TVs, mobile tablets, and mobile phones.


Zinnia TV is a favorite choice for caregivers seeking a calming and straightforward tool to help their loved ones feel safe and engaged.


Family plans are available on a monthly or annual basis, while business and care community plans are offered on a yearly basis.


*SAVE: As a gesture of goodwill, and for a limited time, ZINNIA TV is offering a one-time $99.99 LIFETIME subscription to support you, a constituent of the Dementia Society of America. Please note that Zinnia's regular one-year subscription alone is $69.99.


You must use this link to receive your savings: https://www.zinniatv.com/dsa


Real-Life Impact

Let’s look at some examples. Sarah cares for her mother, who often gets confused in the late afternoon. Playing a Zinnia TV video of someone folding laundry and humming helps settle her down. Mike uses Memory Lane TV with his dad, who remembers songs from the 1950s. When he hears those tunes, his dad sings along and smiles. Meanwhile, Nora uses a YouTube playlist of birds and waterfalls to help her grandma relax before bed.


In each case, therapeutic TV gives caregivers a helpful break — and gives their loved ones a moment of peace and joy.


Final Thoughts

Caring for someone with Dementia can be challenging, but tools like Zinnia TV, Memory Lane TV, and YouTube might make things a little easier. These programs help reduce stress, evoke memories, and create calm moments throughout the day. They’re simple to use, gentle on the senses, and a real source of comfort.


If someone you love has Dementia, consider trying one of these services. Sometimes, even a five-minute video of a kitten purring, a baby smiling, or a gentle rain falling can make all the difference—every moment of peace counts for both the person with Dementia and the one who cares for them.


Helpful Links:


Author:  AI-Assisted Human-Edited Staff Writer

DISCLOSURE: Zinnia TV, Memory Lane TV, and YouTube are trademarks of their respective owners. There is no revenue sharing between the Dementia Society of America and any of the aforementioned TV services.


We do not endorse or guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, paid or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

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