Changing LTC residents @ night

ktwlpn, LPN · Oct 27, 2003

Originally posted by gizzy76
Hi!

Just curious to know how often your residents in LTC are changed during the night.

At my facility, they are changed at 0100, 0300 and 0500hrs. I think this is ridiculous unless they are exceptionally prone to skin breakdown. How is anyone to get a good night's sleep?

Help me, I'm baffled. Thanks!

If they are unable to get out of bed and go to the bathroom on their own then they are checked every 2 hours..those that don't reposition themselves must be turned even if they are dry...Some are helped up and taken to the BR...Most of the units make their rounds quietly and in semi-darkness so the unit is not overly disturbed...Afternoon naps always help them catch up on their rest,too....It's usually only the alert and oreinted that complain-the others seem to go right back to sleep fast...Our philosophy is prevention prevention prevention-anyone lying in a puddle for any length of time becomes at risk...

Rustyhammer · Oct 28, 2003

Think how hard it would be to sleep with a stage III or IV on the coccyx.

Every 2 hours is the norm.

-Russell

Brownms46 · Oct 28, 2003

I'm more baffled by the post:confused:

GANurse1 · Oct 28, 2003

In the facility that I work in all residents are checked every two hours. This means they are checked at 12,2,4 and 6 am. They are also turned at these times. The only complaint we have is that the hallways stay completely lit all the time and this keeps them from sleeping. No-one has ever complained about being awakened to be dried. I agree with prevention, prevention, prevention.:)

gizzy76 · Oct 28, 2003

Thanks for the great replies...my eyes have been opened. Oddly enough, tonight on one set of rounds, a resident thanked me after I'd changed and turned her, so I guess you all are right!