Video Streaming Services for Dementia: A Guide

If you are caring for someone with dementia, you know how challenging it can be when they get agitated or upset. Regular TV shows may not always be the best option. But there are two video streaming services specifically designed for people with dementia and their caregivers.

Allyson Schrier co-founded Zinnia TV after her husband was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia. She wanted to create videos that they could watch together and discuss, without confusing plots or ads. Zinnia TV is like Netflix or Hulu but with slow-paced, plot-free videos like “Hawaiian Breeze” or “Let’s Talk About Picnics,” featuring soothing footage of birds, flowers, and waterfalls.

Memory Lane TV is another streaming service for dementia, offering an even larger selection of videos. Nick Viti, an occupational therapist, says the ultra-high-definition films are visually captivating and calming. These videos can be especially helpful in the evening when confusion and anxiety are common for people with dementia.

Both services offer a variety of videos to engage and soothe individuals with dementia. Zinnia TV has a daily activities channel that can help with tasks like showering or brushing teeth. Memory Lane TV also provides caregiver support videos in multiple languages through a partnership with LA Alzheimer’s. Subscriptions start at around 8 to 10 dollars a month.

While these services can be beneficial, it’s essential to remember that dementia affects everyone differently. What works for one person may not work for another. However, having these tools and support can make a difference for caregivers. As Tammy Bickmore, an assistant clinical professor, says, the more resources caregivers have, the better.