By jwilder
Our Recommended TVs for Seniors with Dementia:
If you have a loved one suffering from dementia, you have a lot to worry about beyond what’s on cable this afternoon. A few hours in front of the TV, though, can be a safe and purposeful way for your loved one to spend time. Check out our list of the best TV for seniors with dementia to learn which TVs for seniors are right for your situation!
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a TV for Dementia Sufferers
Best TVs for Dementia Patients - Reviews
1. Best Smart TV for Seniors with Dementia (Overall): Samsung 55-Inch UHD TU-8000 With Alexa
If you’ve got a loved one who enjoys classic movies and TV shows, this Alexa-enabled TV is perfect for them. The picture is incredibly crisp and clean, the remote is easy to use, and the ability to speak to the TV through Amazon Alexa is incredibly valuable to dementia patients.
Because it’s Alexa-enabled, you can control the TV from your phone - even when you aren’t in the same zip code. That means, if your loved one has a problem with their TV or is watching it too much, you can help them out from a distance! You can even program different reminders and alarms to help them manage their day.
If you already use other products with Amazon Alexa, there is no reason you shouldn’t choose this TV. It’s big (but not too big), has a wonderful display, and will have your loved one calm and happy watching their favorite shows.
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2. Best Simple TV for Dementia Patients (Overall): Insignia 39-Inch TV with Digital Tuner
This TV has Alexa and a digital antenna built-in, so your loved one can watch their favorite local channels and control it with their voice. Voice commands might not seem like the best thing for a dementia patient, but they are easy to learn and don’t require motor skills like a regular remote would.
The picture resolution on this TV is nothing to write home about - it only has a 720P image which is passable but certainly not special. If your loved one is a big fan of cinema or live sports, the lower screen resolution won’t exactly be a delight. If you’ve got a loved one who’d prefer to catch reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show (which is just as funny as ever, by the way), this is the perfect TV.
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Best TVs for Seniors with Dementia (Runners-Up)
This TV has a lot to offer - it’s large, it delivers 4K picture and an easy-to-understand Smart TV layout - but it costs less than $350. It’s available in several different sizes, from 43 inches to 85 inches (the 85-inch version costs far more than $350 but is still a good deal).
If you’re looking for a great TV that fits a modest budget, there is no better TV brand than TCL, and this one is their 2021 model. These TVs are loved by many movie and sports fans who want a high-quality TV that won’t cost a fortune.
One of the best things about this TV is the sound quality. Usually, the built-in speakers on newer TVs are nothing worth bragging about - manufacturers assume their customers will have a soundbar or surround sound system and, therefore, put very cheap speakers in their TVs. The TCL TV, on the other hand, has great sound quality, eliminating the need for a soundbar or speaker!
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This Sony TV has the best picture quality of any TV on our list. If you want the best possible picture for your loved one, this is the TV for you. It may not be as easy to use or as friendly to seniors, but if you can teach your loved one to use it, they’ll love every second they spend watching it.
It does have one thing going for it that can help seniors: a very simple to understand remote. It’s got a few more buttons than 80s and 90s remotes did, but it looks and works the exact same. No funny shapes or random buttons - even the Netflix button is clearly labeled. If the dementia patient in your life doesn’t like the idea of using Alexa to watch TV, think about how this remote would make things easier for them!
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What is a TV for Dementia Patients?
There are no TVs that are designed specifically for people with dementia, but that doesn’t mean that every TV is the same. Think about some of the most common daily problems that people with dementia face: confusion, anxiety, and unfamiliarity with modern appliances. These issues dictate that the more complex the TV, the harder it will be for patients with severe dementia to use.
There are a few features that make a big difference for dementia patients:
Best Brands of TVs for Dementia Sufferers
Price Range of TVs for Dementia Patients
TVs aren’t cheap - and they never have been. In fact, the first color television on the market sold for $1,000 back in 1954. That’s equal to $10,169 in 2021!
The good news is that, unless you happen to have struck gold or won the lottery, you won’t be spending 10 grand on a TV any time soon. The normal price range for a new TV is between $300 and $1,500.
The price you’ll pay for a TV depends on a few different factors:
Conclusion
Finding a good TV for your loved one with dementia is never easy, because nothing when it comes to dementia is easy. If you do your research and work hard to take care of your loved one, though, you can get them a TV that is both appropriate for them and great for daytime entertainment.
Which TV from our list do you think is right for your loved one? Leave your thoughts below!
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The “cons” are all the same. “Best TV for Seniors” that they cannot use without a caregiver. Pointless.
I would like to see smaller options.