Could you all give me some examples of Sleep aids you use at your facility to help your resident's rest/sleep when all other interventions do not work.
ex. We have a Portuguese speaking dementia resident who sundowns and starts to wander in out of other residents rooms "looking for her husband" when there is no Portuguese speaking CNA on, she is very difficult to redirect. We have tried many non-pharmacologic interventions that are not working. she wanders around sometimes till 12am-1am, waking up the other residents and getting them upset.
The House MD at our place seems to have a liken to Trazodone. This is what he ordered for her. (which isn't working)
Isn't Trazodone an antidepressant? maybe drowsiness a side effect but not what it should be used for.
I would love some input from experienced Nurses who work with Dementia patients. What are some successful interventions you have used.
And Is there a safe sleeping aid for elderly as a last resort?
Thank you,
Bea