https://www.tmfnetworks.org/Portals/0/Resource%20Center/Activity%20Director%20Checklist_508.pdf

See the following checklist as provided by the above website.

Checklist: Activities that may help improve nighttime sleep for residents with dementia

Facts:

? Residents with dementia usually have problems sleeping.
? Common side effects of certain medications, including antipsychotics, include sleep disorders. ? Fewer naps during the day may help residents sleep better at night.

What activities may help a resident with dementia have improved sleep at night?

Problem: A resident is experiencing agitation and/or anxiety. (Note: It is important to keep the resident calm.) Things to consider:

Is there an established routine for the resident at night? An established routine includes changing into night clothes and washing their face at a certain time and in a certain order, and going to bed the same time every night.

Did staff provide the resident with reassurance and cues to orient them?

Did staff provide calming activities at the end of day and before bedtime (i.e., reading, reminiscing, singing, etc.)?

Are there precautionary processes in place to avoid the occurrence of loud noises at night?

Did staff take the necessary steps to ensure that the resident did not watch TV at least one hour before bedtime, especially shows with violence and action?

If appropriate, increase daily activities, which include walking, socializing, playing games and participating in activities to challenge the mind.

What if a resident sleeps too much during the day and is restless at night?

Problem: An elderly resident is taking frequent naps during the day. It is important to first identify the root cause or the underlying reason for residents taking naps during the day, such as depression, boredom, chronic pain and nutritional deficiencies. We should treat these issues first.

Things to consider:

Engage the resident in meaningful activities, perhaps ones they enjoyed prior to admission at the nursing home (i.e., walks, going shopping, visits from friends or family members, conversation and helping them stay as independent as possible.) Note: You may need to involve the resident’s family.

Does the care plan individualize the care of each resident, including their likes and dislikes?

Does staff take the time get to know the resident on a social level and identify what they like to hear, touch, taste, smell and see?

Have we identified what type of medications the resident is taking? Common side effects of antipsychotic medications include sleep disorders.

What happens if a resident has a decreased melatonin level?

Problem: A resident has decreased melatonin levels. Exposure to sunlight increases the level of melatonin, which regulates the sleep cycle and is known to increase positive moods.

Consider:

Weather permitting, increase activities that allow residents to spend time outdoors. If not, find sunny areas in the nursing home for activities and, if winter months are long and do not permit access outdoors, try introducing artificial light therapy.

The information presented is informative and does not constitute direct legal or regulatory advice

September 2024\Skilled Nursing Support\maria.messina@skillednursingsupport.com

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