Interview with Allyson Schrier, Co-Founder and President of Zinnia TV

Connecting Through Visuals: How Zinnia TV Supports Dementia Care with Allyson SchrierWhat if one simple change could reduce agitation, spark meaningful conversations, and help someone living with dementia feel more connected?In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper sits down with Allyson Schrier, founder and CEO of Zinnia TV, to discuss how thoughtfully designed visual programming is transforming dementia care.Inspired by her own experience caring for a loved one with dementia, Allyson created Zinnia TV after recognizing that traditional television often overwhelms people living with cognitive changes. Instead, Zinnia offers slow-paced, calming, dialogue-free content designed to engage, comfort, and reconnect individuals with their memories, interests, and identity.Together, Lisa and Allyson explore why understanding the changing brain is one of the greatest gifts caregivers can give themselves and the people they love.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Allyson created Zinnia TV from her own caregiving experienceHow visual content can reduce agitation and improve engagementThe science behind changing visual perception in dementiaWhy traditional television can increase confusion and anxietyHow personalized playlists create moments of connectionWays technology can support caregivers without replacing human interactionPractical strategies to simplify routines and daily activitiesWhy preserving identity and purpose matters throughout the dementia journeyWhether you're caring for a parent, spouse, friend, or supporting families professionally, this conversation offers practical tools and a hopeful perspective on living well with dementia.Memorable Quotes"My driving force is my personal experience as a caregiver.""Zinnia is not just a replacement for television.""Visual perception changes increase fall risk in dementia."Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Lisa Harper and Allyson Schrier00:26 – Allyson's personal caregiving journey01:22 – The inspiration behind Zinnia TV04:22 – What is Zinnia TV?06:39 – Why traditional television doesn't work well for dementia08:01 – Creating connection through visual media12:14 – What the research shows16:37 – Unlocking memories and preserving identity22:00 – Building personalized playlists24:41 – Visual perception changes and fall risks30:51 – Simplifying daily routines36:27 – Supporting emotional well-beingIf this episode encourages you or someone you love, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another caregiver or family navigating the aging journey.Resources: Zinniatv.comContact ZinniaTVZinnia TV on YouTubeKeywords: Dementia, Alzheimer's, Dementia Care, Caregiving, Family Caregiver, Zinnia TV, Memory Care, Aging Parents, Dementia Support, Senior Care, Caregiver Resources, Aging Journey, Alzheimer's Support, Visual CommunicationTo learn more about Lisa Harper, visit notreadyyet.com © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.