Sundowning :)

LaterAlligator · Apr 13, 2011

I had a similar experience at my dementia facility when I switched from first shift to second shift. My favorite is the lady that thinks our building is a train or a cruise ship, usually starting around 5pm. Before that, she knows it's a building!

Seeing a lot of the changes from sundowning was like meeting a new set of residents sometimes!

yousoldtheworld · Apr 13, 2011

Haha, it's definitely a different world! And that's why I shake my head whenever I hear a day shift person talk about how much easier the evening shift is...they have noooo idea!

But yeah, I always liked evenings in the dementia unit, it was a lot more fun (except for our few residents who would get combative in the evenings.)

Jen411 · Apr 13, 2011

I worked 2nd shift for many years and dealt with residents with horrible sundowning...When I switched to dayshift on the same unit, I was shocked the residents were pleasant, friendly, actually sat in their w/c's. I was shocked.

Even this one resident, who had showers on second shift every sunday and wednesday. I worked every weekend so I seen what would happen on sundays!

This male resident literally would give you the beating of your life. on second shift he didnt want to be tolieted,changed,put to bed or anything. Complete nightmare!

Dayshift the man would allow us to toliet him,change him,etc. What a difference a few hours made.

Amdroell · Apr 13, 2011

Wow!! I am so wrong about what sundowning is? I thought it was when they get tired and sluggish. Ha!! I am currently doing my clinicals part of the CNA course(last day tomorrow!!) and I love the Special Care Unit!! So you guys are telling me that those sweet people I've enjoyed feeding so much and talking to can get really ugly in the evenings? I believe it because when I read this a couple of those sweet people popped into my mind because I can see them giving everyone lots of trouble! Hahaha!! Thanks for helping me to clarify what sundowning is!!

CoffeemateCNA · Apr 13, 2011

I have a lady that wheels around all day telling people "Jesus loves you!" and then as soon as it gets dark outside she runs by those same people and tells them she is going to kill them and rip their heart and lungs out and shoot them up.

shix · Apr 13, 2011

:)) its funny I used to get abit upset during my day shift because I could hardly get some of my residents to stay awake until I worked the evening shift. Now I totally understand and don't bother them unless its absolutely necessary. @Coffeemate, I have this one resident too who is always so calm and collected but the moment we close the doors to give her pt care, she wants to kill us! Soon after saying that she asks, 'are you ok?'. Ha! last night, one of the male residents went into one of the ladies' room, took a pair of pants and wore it. In the meantime the door shut itself. couple of mins later we hear a knock...coming from inside the room. I guess he couldn't figure out where the door knob was! :)) I was worried when I started out that I wouldn't be able to work well at the dementia unit but now, I don't think I'd like to trade it in yet. True, I suppose the workload is way heavier than other units with more total cares but, I think what I prob like most about it is that there aren't crazy amounts of call lights going off at the same time!! :no: and we're always sure if a call light goes off then its a resident either fidgeting in bed or trying to get up...coz its pinned to their johnnies :loveya:

chouxpastry · Apr 15, 2011

@coffeematecna: LOL. awesome story, yet frightening...

i once witnessed a male resident jovially wheel another female resident, whom he mistook for his wife, down the hall. the blank expression on the female resident's face was equally hilarious.