The Challenges of Mirrors for Someone with Alzheimer’s

Donna Nichols • September 8, 2022

Did you know that for someone with Alzheimer’s, seeing their reflection in a mirror can cause anxiety, anger, and sometimes even terror?

If your loved one starts acting irrational, look around the room to see if there are any mirrors. If so, remove them and see if their behavior improves. 

Why would mirrors agitate someone with Alzheimer’s you ask?

You have to remember that the Alzheimer’s brain doesn’t work like a normal brain anymore; they no longer recognize the person in that mirror. It frightens them because they think a stranger has suddenly come upon them and is standing right in front of them. This can really confuse them and upset them to where they can become hysterical, thus making it difficult to calm them down.

So, what are you supposed to do? Remove all the mirrors in the house? Well yes, some of them anyway. 

Any mirrors that are not necessary should be removed from the walls and remove any decorative mirrors you may have on counters or shelves. 

Creative Ways To Cover Up The Mirrors

  1. If you can’t remove them from the walls, cover them with a towel or a large piece of cloth. For full-length mirrors, please turn them over so the backside shows and turn them around when you need to look in them. But, remember to turn them back over when you are finished.
  2. If you have mirrors on your closet doors, you can disguise them by adding decorative paper to them. Please make sure to use calming patterns and colors; bright colors will disrupt the person with Alzheimer’s as it’s too busy and noisy for them.
  3. Another thing you can do is i nstall blinds over a mirror to make it look like a window, just make sure they can’t open the blinds. If they do open the blinds and see their reflection, they will think there is a stranger standing there and it will cause them to lash out and it could become an extremely serious situation.
  4. You could put a nature scene poster over the mirror. You can also decorate the mirror with stained glass; not only will it cover the mirror, but it will also be a beautiful addition to the room. Install a curtain rod over mirrors and hang curtains so you can open the curtains when you need to use the mirror. Just remember, close the curtains when you are finished.
  5. And please remove the mirrors from the bathrooms . The mirrors in the bathrooms are probably the ones that are the worst for Alzheimer’s patients. Try putting yourself in their place, they have no idea where they are, who they are, or who you are. They are in the bathroom (a private place) and they see their reflection in the mirror! HELP!!! There’s a stranger here!! You may possibly hear things crashing and breaking because they are trashing the bathroom.

Hopefully, some of the suggestions above can help improve the life and well-being of the Alzheimer’s client. Always remember that they do NOT think like they used to; their brain does NOT function like it used to, it does NOT remember. 

Should you require additional guidance, Assisted Living Made Simple holds five (5) Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups a month. PLEASE find one that fits into your schedule!! You are not alone; we will be with you every step of the way!!

Coping with Holiday Loneliness

By Donna Nichols • December 8, 2025
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Holiday Visits: How to Spot Changes in a Loved One’s Needs

By Donna Nichols • December 2, 2025
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Gratitude in Every Season

By Donna Nichols • November 13, 2025
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded that gratitude isn’t just a holiday tradition — it’s a way of life. At Assisted Senior Services, we see it daily: in the quiet strength of caregivers, the wisdom of our seniors, and the small moments that make a big difference. We believe gratitude is more than a feeling. It’s a practice. A way of seeing the world, even in challenging times. For seniors, caregivers, and families, this season can stir a mix of emotions. There may be joy in gathering, but also grief, fatigue, or change. That’s why we hold space for all of it — and honor the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up with love. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it helps us carry it. It reminds us that even in uncertainty, there are still ordinary gifts: a warm hand to hold, a shared laugh, a moment of peace. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, navigating new challenges, or simply pausing to reflect, this season invites us to slow down and appreciate the ordinary gifts around us — a warm smile, a shared story, a helping hand. We are grateful for: • The families who trust us to walk alongside them, through transitions and triumphs. • The caregivers who show up with compassion and grace. • The caregivers who offer comfort, dignity, and patience every single day. • The seniors who teach us resilience, humor, and the value of every day – reminding us of what really matters. This Thanksgiving, we honor your journey. We celebrate your courage. And we’re here to support you — not just during the holidays, but all year long. So, whether your Thanksgiving is bustling or quiet, traditional or tender, we hope you find something to hold onto — and someone to hold it with. From all of us at Assisted Senior Services, thank you for being part of our community. We’re honored to support you, and we wish you a season filled with warmth, connection, and care. Happy Thanksgiving!