Tips for a dementia pt who worries all night long?

[Sundance327]

On Monday I was called in to care for a woman whose husband had to be admitted into the hospital. She has dementia and isn't too worried during the daytime (I've been taking her to the hospital to visit him). This is my first 12hr night shift with her and she hasn't been able to sleep due to worrying about where he is and why she has had random CNAs in her living room for the past few nights. I've explained what happened, where he is, when he's coming home, etc; but she forgets 2 mins later and goes back to being worried sick and confused about it all. Maybe I am not going about this the correct way, I haven't had a resident with dementia yet so I'm still working on the best way to explain things to her to get her to not stress about it too much. Any tips on what to say/do to calm her down and help her be able to get some sleep?

Thanks!

[Jamiehinton]

i had a resident like that where i work...maybe find out what her favorite food is mine loved warm milk so i would always make her a glass and set out before bed and we would talk about what she did for her job and she loved talking about that would set out her night gown and a pair of comfy (sleepy socks) on the bed before it was time to get ready....i would explain that we can get comfy i would fluff up her pillow and bed and tell her how soft it is.... it worked most of the time

[Sundance327]

I will try that tonight, thank you!

[ak2190]

Xanax or Ativan?

*Whisper that into a nurse's ear.

[Sundance327]

Xanax or Ativan?

*Whisper that into a nurse's ear.

Hahaha yes the next night they gave her something to help her relax and sleep and it worked really well! Much to mine and her nurses' suprise, the next morning she even remembered her husband was in the hospital without asking!