Should Dementia Patients Watch TV? Tips for Caregivers

If you're caring for someone with dementia, you've probably had "one of those days" with the TV. You know the ones. You get the third phone call before noon because "the TV is broken again." Or you walk in to find them arguing with the news anchor who they're convinced is talking directly to them.

Maybe you've caught yourself wondering: Is letting Dad watch TV actually making things worse? It's the kind of question that keeps you up at night, especially when every "expert" seems to have a different opinion about screen time and cognitive health.

Here's what we've learned from working with thousands of families navigating this exact challenge: today's TV technology has become impossibly complex while our loved ones' ability to manage that complexity is declining. It's like asking someone to solve a puzzle while the pieces keep changing shape.

The good news? You don't have to choose between keeping them safe and keeping them happy. There's actually a sweet spot where television becomes a genuine asset in dementia care, but it requires what we call "intentional" viewing.

In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to find that sweet spot for your family. You'll discover when TV truly helps (and when it doesn't), how to create routines that reduce daily frustration, and why the right approach can actually extend the time your loved one can stay in their own home.

Because the truth is, dementia patients absolutely can watch TV. They just need it set up in a way that works with their changing abilities, not against them.

This question probably came up during one of those difficult family conversations where everyone has an opinion but nobody wants to be the "bad guy" who takes away something important.

Maybe someone suggested that all that screen time "can't be good for her brain," or perhaps you've read conflicting advice online. One article says TV is terrible for dementia, while another claims it's perfectly fine. Meanwhile, you're just trying to figure out what's actually best for your dad, who genuinely enjoys his morning shows.

But, unfortunately, we've all witnessed the other side. Maybe you've walked into the room to find your parent upset after watching something distressing, or noticed they seem more confused after certain shows.

TV becomes problematic when it feels overwhelming or disconnected from their world:

When it's too much, too fast: Modern shows with rapid scene changes, loud commercials, or complex storylines can feel like sensory assault to a person with dementia. What looks normal to us might feel like chaos to someone whose brain is already working overtime to process basic information.

When reality gets blurry: This is the tricky one. Sometimes people with dementia start believing TV events are happening in their living room, or that news anchors are speaking directly to them. It sounds odd until you understand dementia can make it hard to distinguish between what’s happening on screen and what’s happening in the room. The brain is simply trying to make sense of a world that often doesn't make sense anymore.

When it replaces real connection: If TV becomes the only companion, that's when we need to step in. Yes, it can provide comfort, but it can't replace human interaction, even when conversation becomes challenging.

Here's what we've learned from families who've figured out how to make television work beautifully in dementia care:

There's something almost magical about watching someone with dementia connect with a familiar show or movie. Your mom might struggle to remember your name some days, but put on "Singin' in the Rain" and suddenly she's dancing in her chair.

This isn’t just nostalgia. It’s how memory works with dementia.  Studies emphasize that familiarity plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional stability and reducing anxiety for people with dementia. The emotional memories tied to music, familiar faces, and beloved stories often stay strong even when other memories fade.

It's like having a key that still fits the lock, even when so many others no longer work.

When so much feels unpredictable with dementia, routine becomes incredibly precious. Having the morning news on at 8am or watching "Wheel of Fortune" after dinner can provide emotional anchoring that goes far beyond entertainment.

Think of it as creating islands of familiarity in a sea of confusion.  Healthcare professionals recommend establishing consistent daily routines and reminders as essential components of effective dementia care.

The beauty is that television routines don't require complex decision-making or physical coordination, but they still offer the comfort of knowing what comes next.

The right TV content can gently exercise the mind without demanding too much. A cooking show might trigger memories of Sunday dinners with family. A nature documentary could spark stories about camping trips from decades ago. Music programs often get people moving, singing, or just feeling more alert.

The key word here is "gentle." We're providing just enough stimulation to keep the mind engaged without creating frustration.

Here's where television transforms from entertainment into relationship building. When you sit with your dad to watch his favorite Western, you're creating a shared experience that can generate conversation, laughter, and connection.

These moments often become the foundation for meaningful conversations that extend well beyond the screen. "Remember when we used to watch this together when I was little?" can open doors to stories and memories that might otherwise stay locked away.

Let's talk about the times when you might walk into the room and think, "Okay, this isn't working anymore." Recognizing these moments means you're being a thoughtful caregiver (even though it may not always feel that way).

You know that feeling when you're in a crowded, noisy restaurant and can't focus on conversation? That's what modern TV can feel like for someone with dementia, except they can't just ask for a quieter table.

Fast cuts between scenes, flashing graphics, sudden volume changes during commercials. What producers design to grab attention can overwhelm a brain that's already working hard to process basic information. If you notice your loved one getting more agitated during or after certain shows, their brain might be telling them "this is too much."

This one catches many families off guard. You might find your mom setting an extra place at dinner because "the nice man from the news is coming over," or your dad getting upset because he believes the people on the cooking show can see that he's not helping them prepare the meal.

It sounds strange until you understand that dementia can make it hard to distinguish between what's happening on screen and what's happening in the room. The brain that once automatically sorted "TV" from "real life" may need extra help with that sorting.

We get it. Television can feel like a lifesaver when conversation becomes difficult or when you're worried about your parent being alone. But if the TV becomes their primary companion, replacing rather than complementing human interaction, it's time to reassess.

The goal is to make sure television enhances life rather than substituting for it. Even when words become harder, sitting together in comfortable silence while watching something pleasant can be more valuable than hours of solo viewing.

If your loved one is spending all day every day in front of the TV without other activities, it's not just about mental stimulation, it's about overall wellbeing. Bodies need movement, even gentle movement. Minds need variety, even simple variety.

Better balance between screen time and other gentle activities often helps more than simply reducing TV time.

Early-stage dementia: Individuals may still enjoy complex programming like documentaries, news shows, or favorite movies. Focus on familiar content that doesn't require following intricate plots.

Mid-stage dementia: Simpler programming works better. Music shows, nature documentaries, or classic comedies. Avoid content with violent or distressing themes.

Late-stage dementia: Very gentle content with familiar music, soothing visuals, or voices of family members often works best. The focus shifts from entertainment to comfort and sensory engagement.

Look for content that:

• Features music from their era

• Shows familiar faces (classic movie stars, old TV personalities)

• Displays peaceful visuals (nature, gentle movement)

• Avoids sudden loud noises or jarring scene changes

• Maintains positive, uplifting themes

Consider creating a playlist of "safe" shows and movies that consistently produce positive responses.

Pro Tip: Our friends at Zinnia TV offer excellent plotless content specifically designed for dementia.

Establish consistent viewing times that support daily structure:

• Morning news for orientation to the day

• Afternoon music programs for energy and mood

• Evening nature shows or gentle programming for relaxation

Keep volume at comfortable levels and ensure good lighting to reduce eye strain.

Co-viewing transforms television from passive consumption into active engagement. Ask questions about familiar faces, encourage singing along with old songs, or share related memories.

These interactions make TV time social time, strengthening relationships while providing entertainment.

Pay attention to your loved one's responses:

• Do they seem relaxed or agitated?

• Are they engaged or withdrawing?

• Do certain types of content consistently cause distress?

Be prepared to change channels, adjust volume, or end viewing sessions based on their reactions. Flexibility is key to successful TV integration.

If you're feeling like you're the only one dealing with TV-related challenges, let us put that worry to rest. We've talked to thousands of families going through exactly what you're experiencing, and these are the struggles that come up again and again:

"She calls me every day because the TV isn't working right" Sound familiar? When your mom calls because "nothing is working" but the TV looks fine to you, technology has usually become too complex for her changing abilities.

"He gets so frustrated when he can't find his shows" Channel surfing through hundreds of options can feel overwhelming when your brain is already working hard on basic tasks. What used to be simple entertainment becomes a daily puzzle with too many pieces.

"I don't know if the TV is helping or hurting" This uncertainty keeps so many families awake at night. Is it okay that Dad watches six hours a day? Should you be concerned that Mom talks to the people on screen? You're not overthinking it! These are legitimate concerns that deserve thoughtful consideration.

"The news upsets her, but she insists on watching" Ah, the independence versus safety dilemma. Honoring their choices while protecting their peace of mind feels impossible some days.

These challenges tend to escalate as cognitive changes progress, but with the right approach and tools, many families find that TV actually becomes easier to manage over time.

You know your loved one better than anyone, so you're often the first to notice when TV time needs adjustments.

When moods shift during or after viewing
If your usually calm dad becomes agitated during the evening news, or your mom seems more confused after watching her stories, their brain might be telling you that particular content isn't working anymore.

When TV reality becomes confusing
Maybe your parent starts talking about the news anchors as if they're personal friends, or becomes concerned about "helping" the people in cooking shows. This means their brain needs help sorting what's real from what's on screen.

When sleep gets disrupted
If evening viewing leads to restless nights or morning viewing affects afternoon naps, it might be time to adjust timing or content choices.

When TV becomes their whole world
If they're not interested in anything except television, or if they're pulling away from family time in favor of screen time, it's worth exploring other gentle activities to add to the mix.

Daily remote control battles
We've all been there: trying to explain over the phone which of the six remotes actually turns on the TV while your parent insists they're all broken. When technology becomes the enemy instead of the helper, that's fixable.

Getting lost in the channel guide
If finding a simple show becomes a 20-minute expedition through complicated menus, the system is working against them, not for them.

Volume issues that strain relationships
Whether it's too loud for neighbors or too quiet for them to hear, when volume becomes a daily struggle, there are better solutions than constant adjustments.

Let's have an honest conversation about what happens when families keep putting off addressing TV and technology challenges, hoping they'll somehow resolve themselves.

We understand the thinking: "She's managing okay for now," or "Let's not rock the boat." 

Here's what we've seen happen when small, manageable problems are left to grow:

Those "simple" tech calls become emergencies: What starts as daily phone calls about the TV can escalate to your parent thinking someone broke into their house because the cable box is blinking differently. Suddenly you're racing over late at night to "fix" something that isn't actually broken.

Independence gets lost faster than necessary: When people can't operate their own entertainment, it often signals to families (and to them) that it's time for more restrictive living situations. Yet many of these technology barriers are completely solvable.

The emotional toll adds up: Both for you and for them. Your stress about their daily struggles. Their frustration about not being able to do things that used to be simple. The guilt, the worry, the sense that things are spiraling faster than they need to.

Families who take a proactive approach by investing in appropriate technology and support systems early often find they can extend the period of successful aging in place. Those who wait often face much larger expenses: emergency assisted living transitions, increased in-home care needs, or family members having to cut back work hours to provide daily tech support.

We're sharing this to point out that small investments in the right solutions often prevent much larger costs down the road.

You've probably heard all the well-meaning advice: "Just get them a simpler remote," or “Try a certain type of Smart TV.” Maybe you've even tried some of these suggestions. Here's why they often fall short, and why families continue to struggle despite good intentions:

Walk into most living rooms and count the remotes: TV, cable box, streaming device, sound system, DVD player. Each one has different buttons, different sequences, different purposes. We ask someone whose brain is already working overtime on basic tasks to remember which remote does what, and then wonder why they get frustrated.

Modern entertainment assumes you want infinite choices. But when you're dealing with dementia, infinite choices become infinite opportunities for confusion. Finding one specific show might require navigating through multiple menu layers, remembering passwords, and understanding interface changes that happen regularly.

What looks user-friendly to us can feel like an impossible maze to someone whose cognitive abilities are changing.

This suggestion sounds logical until you realize that simpler TVs often mean fewer features, which can actually isolate your loved one further from the content and family connections they value.

The real challenge is the gap between today's complex technology and the support systems needed to make it accessible for people with changing cognitive abilities.

Here's the encouraging news: when you get TV and dementia care right, you'll know. The positive changes become obvious, both in daily life and in your overall peace of mind.

They'll look forward to their shows - Instead of frustration or confusion, you'll notice anticipation. Maybe they'll mention that their favorite program is coming on, or you'll find them settled in their chair a few minutes before their usual viewing time.

They'll seem more relaxed during and after watching - Rather than agitation or overstimulation, you'll see comfort and engagement. They might hum along with familiar music or smile at scenes they recognize.

They'll want to talk about what they've seen - This is a big one. When content resonates positively, it often sparks conversation. They might mention something from a show, ask about a character, or share a memory that a program triggered.

Their sleep stays steady - No more restless nights after evening viewing, no disrupted afternoon naps because of overstimulating content.

Those daily "TV emergency" calls will decrease - You know the ones: "Nothing is working" or "I can't find my show." When the system works for them, it works for you too.

You'll feel confident about their daily routine - Instead of worrying about what they're watching or whether they're struggling with the remote, you'll have peace of mind knowing they can access appropriate content comfortably.

Shared viewing becomes enjoyable again - Whether you're watching together in person or talking about shows over a video call, television becomes a bridge for connection rather than a source of stress.

Your worry decreases - This might be the most important sign of all. When you stop losing sleep over their TV struggles, you know you've found a system that works.

Managing television effectively for someone with dementia often requires more control and curation than standard TV setups provide. This is where  dementia technology like JubileeTV can make a significant difference in implementing the intentional caregiving approach outlined above.

JubileeTV allows family caregivers to manage TV content and settings remotely through a smartphone app. You can change channels, adjust volume, or select appropriate programming without being physically present. This means you can respond to agitation or confusion immediately, even when you're at work or across town.

Rather than relying on random channel surfing, JubileeTV enables caregivers to pre-select appropriate channels and apps. You can select "favorite" channels and apps that feature only soothing programming, eliminate access to potentially distressing channels, and ensure your loved one only encounters content that supports their wellbeing.

This proactive approach prevents exposure to violent news stories, loud commercials, or confusing modern programming that might cause distress.

Video calling for dementia care becomes much more effective on a large TV screen. Family members can easily connect for virtual visits, creating natural conversation opportunities around familiar faces appearing in a familiar environment. Calls connect automatically without requiring interaction from your loved one, so you don’t have to worry about them managing a remote or remembering which button to press.

These connections help combat isolation while maintaining the routine comfort of the TV room. The large screen format makes it easier for people with dementia to recognize family members and engage in conversations, which can be particularly valuable when physical visits aren't possible.

JubileeTV can automatically schedule programming to support daily routines, turning on morning news at a consistent time or starting relaxing music in the evening. This automation reduces the cognitive load on your loved one while maintaining structure.

For comprehensive  dementia care planning, having reliable, manageable technology becomes an essential component of supporting independence and quality of life.

One of the hardest parts of caregiving is knowing when you need support, and understanding that asking for help shows wisdom, not failure. Here are some situations where getting additional guidance or resources makes all the difference:

If TV-related struggles are taking over your conversations, affecting sleep (yours or theirs), or requiring you to drop everything for frequent "emergency" visits, it's time to explore better solutions. Life doesn't have to revolve around troubleshooting technology.

Maybe your parent has fallen while trying to adjust the TV, or they've become genuinely distressed about something they've seen on screen. When TV use starts affecting physical or emotional safety, that's a clear signal to seek help.

Caregiver burnout is real, and constant technology troubleshooting can be a major contributor. If you find yourself dreading their phone calls or feeling overwhelmed by the daily tech support role, there are solutions that can take this burden off your shoulders.

Long-distance caregiving adds another layer of complexity to TV and technology challenges. When you can't physically be there to help, remote solutions become essential rather than just convenient.

Dementia patients can absolutely watch TV when it's done with intention, care, and proper support. The goal is to harness television's potential for comfort, connection, and cognitive engagement while avoiding its pitfalls.

Success comes from thoughtful content selection, consistent routines, active caregiver involvement, and the right tools to manage the viewing experience effectively. When  talking to a parent with dementia, remember that shared TV time on TV-based interaction can create valuable opportunities for connection and conversation.

Rather than feeling guilty about screen time or worried about cognitive effects, caregivers can feel empowered to use television as one valuable tool in comprehensive dementia care. With the right approach and the right technology support, TV time can enhance quality of life for both dementia patients and their families.

The key is moving from passive, unmonitored viewing to active, intentional engagement that serves both comfort and connection. When television becomes a bridge between family members rather than a barrier, it fulfills its highest purpose in dementia care.