Is cognitive impairment a guide to use of Video Respite? Lessons from a special care unit

The goal of this study was to examine the usefulness of Video Respite (VR) in relation to the abilities of cognitively impaired older adults. Three VR videotapes were shown to residents of a special care unit. Older adults were videotaped as they viewed the VR videotapes to observe their levels of involvement. Analyses of the videotapes of the older adults confirmed that participation varies considerably between and within residents and, further, that cognitive status is not a useful guide in predicting levels of participation. Some residents showed no interest in television in general or in VR, while the elimination of distractions resulted in more sustained viewing for those inclined to participate. The authors' observations suggest ways to optimize the usefulness of VR for formal and informal caregivers.