My mum has severe dementia, she doesnt seem to settle at night. She gets out of bed , walks to the door (it has a stair gate across), stays for a moment , walks back to the bed, gets into bed , then immediately gets out of bed and repeats the pattern for hours on end. Eventually at some point she falls over asleep ,standing or sitting , but never laying down. She suffers from swollen legs so its important to raise them at some stage during the 24hrs of a day. I have bought a low profiling bed that I can lower to the ground. She would not be able to stand up from this so I am hoping she will not be able to get up and in turn not fall over at night. Is this cruel? or considered restraining?
many thanks in advance for any replies.
Your mother's restlessness at night isn't uncommon.In fact it's the reason care facilities for those with dementia and alzheimers have "overnight/awake" staff.
First,baby proof the room.No sharp edges on furniture and the like.No rugs that might trip the wanderer.No drugs,utensils or other potential dangers within the area. Be sure to lock your ( home) doors.I use dead bolts placed high up and out of reach on doors that are easily accessible.
I doubt the baby gate will suffice a a deterant to wander for very long.
I use motion sensor alerts; LED lights that flash,audio alerts at night.
Inexpensive, under $20 dollars.
Try a snack: a toast or warm milk before bed.
Keep her awake and no dozing during the day.
A night light makes the dark less frightening, helps orient and calm the confused occupant of the room.
A soft throw to cuddle under.Some people use teddy bears or other stuff toys.
Routine though is key.
Do the same thing every night before bed.
Last but not least: Check for wet or soil diapers.This a another common cause for wandering.If the person is wet or soiled it's uncomfortable. They wake up and wander....not knowing where or why.
Hope this helps.
The bed I have coming tomorrow is a "home" hospital bed , It has rails but I am concerned she will hurt herself trying to get out, so at the moment I will leave them down . I will also raise her head abit as she has a spinal condition which may be giving her discomfort at night .
She is unable to have any kind of conversation. The only thing she says everyday is "I love you".
Thank you all for your advice , its nice to "talk" to other people about issues.
lisa
The adjustable bed seems to have worked , mum has stayed in bed all night for the past 2 nights. I think with the head and legs raised it is much more comfortable for her . I dont have the rails up but I do lower the bed so its harder for her to get out ( she has back and leg problems).
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
See All Answers