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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!!
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.
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April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.