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Vesnastan Asked November 2020

Does anyone have any recommendations for a TV that Mom could navigate?

Mom isn't the only one having trouble with the TV set - we are both modern-world/IT-challenged, but add a little dementia to the mix and its a dark screen every night!

Vesnastan Nov 2020
Thank you so much for your helpful answer! I have been reading through these questions daily and posted my first question today and am so grateful for all the support - way more supportive than any of my siblings!!!!

Great idea about looking at facilities and what they have - i'm going to call one of them up and just see if they have any thoughts and if they are willing to share. Thanks again!

InFamilyService Nov 2020
My mom's favorite shows seem to reside on one channel so her solution is never to move to another channel. Works for her.
NeedHelpWithMom Nov 2020
That’s great! Does she ever accidentally hit the wrong button? They can’t fix anything that they mess up.

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NeedHelpWithMom Nov 2020
It is a problem for the elderly with remotes because once they hit the wrong button they don’t know how to fix it.

They can’t keep up with modern technology. It’s frustrating for them even if they wouldn’t have any type of dementia.

I would imagine it’s impossible for them to navigate the remote if they do have dementia issues.

So sorry that this situation is hard to sort out.

What about listening to music? Would that help?
Vesnastan Nov 2020
That's exactly what happens - I don't see anything changing.
Thank you for the music idea - she loves that - I usually set her up w/the TV before I leave for the night (she lives in an apartment on my property) - but - the TV is always messed up the next day. And she ONLY watches at night, does not want to turn the tv on in the daytime (which is  good thing I guess). but she is alone in the evenings with no one to help her w/the TV.
igloo572 Nov 2020
Is the issue about it being a “smart” TV or is it about using a remote?

for remote, I got my mom a Sony Kids remote control (RM-K21). Bright green color. You can still find these on Amazon & eBay. Like $10.
There also are various brands of “Big Button” remote controls. From Flipper brand which is tres pricey $40 to Universal @ $15/$20.
All of these preprogrammed to 4-6 stations, so whatever they hit will synch to the remote. Some do a volume preset as well.

But if this is a smart TV issue, I think they are too too challenging for those with increasing dementia. Maybe get an old school TV. Goodwill has tons & inexpensive. We have issues with all our smarts as we have regular power outage issues; its reprogramming hell even tho’ my hubs is pretty tech savvy; & it still takes time & patience to get stuff rebooted. I cannot imagine someone with demented dealing with the shifts for streaming.

As an aside, when you visit facilities, peek into rooms to see the TVs. It’s quite the evolution of electronics on display. I’ve seen old old credenza style ones!! Amazing they still work.

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