The Perspective of Nurses and Healthcare Providers on the use of Television Videos with People with Moderate to Severe Dementia
Authors & Credentials: Lillian Hung, Karen, Lok Yi Wong et al. – IDEA Lab, The University of British Columbia, Canada; Bill Uniowski, Zinnia Technologies Inc.; Cassy Hemphill, Communications and Engagement Coordinator, AGE-WELL National Innovation Hub APPTA
Affiliated Institutions: Zinnia Technologies Inc., University of British Columbia, AGE-WELL National Innovation Hub APPTA
The Perspective of Nurses and Healthcare Providers on the use of Television Videos with People with Moderate to Severe Dementia
A New Approach to Dementia Care
For individuals with moderate to severe dementia, daily life in hospital and long-term care settings can often feel isolating. Sensory deprivation, loneliness, and emotional distress are common experiences, and while healthcare providers continuously seek ways to enhance the well-being of those in their care, few non-pharmacological interventions are designed specifically for this population.
Zinnia Technologies recognized this gap and set out to explore a simple yet potentially transformative solution: dementia-friendly television videos (TV videos). Could these videos do more than entertain? Could they provide comfort, encourage social connection, and support individuals in their daily lives? To answer these questions, Zinnia partnered with researchers to examine the perspectives of nurses and healthcare providers on the use of TV videos in dementia care.
A Simple Idea with a Big Impact
Zinnia’s inspiration for this project stemmed from the increasing role of technology in healthcare and the need for person-centred, non-pharmacological interventions. Traditional television has often been viewed as passive or even overstimulating for individuals with dementia. However, Zinnia’s dementia-friendly videos—designed with slower pacing, engaging visuals, and familiar content—have the potential to serve as more than just entertainment. They can become therapeutic tools that foster connection and emotional well-being.
Despite this potential, little research had been conducted on how healthcare providers viewed the use of such videos. To address this, Zinnia and its research partners sought to understand whether TV videos were effective, how they fit within person-centred care, and what challenges or opportunities existed for their implementation.
Hearing from Those on the Frontlines
To uncover valuable insights, Zinnia’s research team conducted five focus groups with 23 nurses and healthcare providers from a long-term care home and a geriatric hospital unit. Using reflexive thematic analysis guided by Kitwood’s person-centred care model, five key themes emerged, highlighting how TV videos were being used and perceived in practice.
- Calming Emotional Distress: Healthcare providers reported that Zinnia’s TV videos acted as a soothing presence for individuals experiencing anxiety or agitation. Carefully selected videos helped residents relax, reducing stress without the need for medication or restraint.
- Strengthening Connections: Beyond their calming effects, TV videos became unexpected tools for relationship-building. Nurses and care staff found that watching videos alongside residents created moments of shared experience, helping them form deeper connections. A simple scene—a beach, a familiar childhood song, or an animal documentary—could spark conversation, trust, and warmth between caregivers and residents.
- Bringing People Together: Social interaction can be limited in dementia care, particularly for individuals who struggle with communication. Zinnia’s TV videos changed that. When played in common areas, these videos encouraged group engagement, bringing residents together in a shared experience. Laughter, smiles, and even storytelling emerged as residents reminisced about scenes that reminded them of their past.
- Supporting Daily Living Activities: Some healthcare providers noted that Zinnia’s videos served a practical purpose—helping residents with activities of daily living (ADLs). Whether it was a video demonstrating a simple exercise routine or one depicting a morning routine, these visual cues gently guided individuals through familiar actions, promoting independence and engagement.
- Reconnecting with Personal Histories: Perhaps one of the most meaningful findings was how TV videos helped residents connect with their pasts. A video featuring farm life might remind someone of their childhood, while a video about sewing could bring back memories of a favorite hobby. These moments of reminiscence reinforced a sense of identity for individuals who may otherwise feel disconnected from their personal histories.
Why This Matters
Zinnia’s research highlights the importance of exploring creative, person-centred approaches to dementia care. The findings demonstrate that TV videos are not just passive entertainment; they can be valuable tools that enhance quality of life. When content is carefully selected to align with cognitive abilities, personal interests, and cultural backgrounds, TV videos can bring comfort, connection, and joy to individuals in dementia care settings.
Implications for the Future
The study’s findings suggest that integrating dementia-friendly TV videos into care settings could have significant policy and practice implications:
- Investing in Resources – Healthcare facilities should ensure access to dementia-friendly video content and the necessary technology (TVs, tablets, wifi) to make them widely available.
- Training for Healthcare Providers – Staff can benefit from training on how to select and use videos effectively as part of person-centred care strategies.
- Culturally Diverse Content – To maximize engagement, video content should reflect the diverse backgrounds of residents, ensuring that individuals see and hear familiar, comforting imagery.
- Ongoing Research and Evaluation – Further studies should explore the long-term benefits of TV video interventions and their impact on emotional well-being and engagement.
A Shift in Perspective
Historically, television has often been dismissed in dementia care as a passive or even harmful activity. However, Zinnia’s research suggests otherwise—when used intentionally, TV videos can be powerful tools that enhance person-centred care. As technology continues to evolve, so too does the understanding of how it can be leveraged to improve dementia care.
Zinnia’s study is more than just research—it is a testament to the power of meaningful engagement in dementia care. Whether it is calming distress, fostering social connection, or reigniting cherished memories, TV videos hold the potential to bring comfort and joy to individuals who need it most. By continuing to explore and embrace non-pharmacological interventions, Zinnia aims to move toward a future where every person living with dementia receives the compassionate, person-centred care they deserve.
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