Caring for memory care residents is a difficult job. Even with the most innovative approaches and comprehensive training, memory care teams face numerous challenges. These issues often increase during seasonal changes. Residents may experience behavioral or emotional shifts. This post explores strategies communities can use to prepare memory care staff for these behavioral shifts.
Preparing Memory Care Teams to Manage Seasonal Behavioral Shifts in Residents
People with dementia and other similar conditions often have a heightened sensitivity to their environments and routines. Shifts in daylight disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances and an increase in episodes of sundowning. Weather changes may limit outdoor activities, reduce sensory stimulation, or increase the risk of dehydration.
Additionally, the changing schedules and activities of the broader world might cause issues. Holidays are fun, but the increased guest visits can disrupt routines or lead to overstimulation. As the schedules of family members change with the seasons, it could also result in increases or decreases in visits.
It Starts With Staff Training
The first step in preparing memory care teams for these shifts is to incorporate them into staff training. Educate teams on how seasonal changes may impact memory care residents. Talk about issues like the increased risk of sundowning during winter or heat-related agitation during summer. Reinforce the need for specialized communication techniques. Talk about the need to observe and document behavioral changes to develop individualized solutions. This training should be included in the onboarding process and as part of ongoing staff education.
Managing the Environment
The community environment plays a significant role in teams’ abilities to manage seasonal shifts in memory care. Proper lighting can reduce sundowning by minimizing shadows and stabilizing sleep-wake cycles. Communities should aim for a consistent indoor temperature level, especially around bedtime. Sudden changes in décor can also be an issue, so be mindful when decorating for changing seasons or holidays.
Maintaining Routines and Ensuring Engagement
Consistent routines are essential for memory care residents. Teams must have strategies for mitigating and managing the ways seasonal changes may impact routines. Aim for a predictable daily routine, even during holidays and seasonal changes. Plan seasonally appropriate activities to offer engagement. Nature walks or time in the community garden can be good for spring and summer. Indoor activities might be more important during cooler months. Staff should receive training to adapt routines to the seasons while maintaining consistency and continuity. Flexibility within a familiar framework can help residents feel secure and reduce feelings of anxiety and confusion.
Supporting Your Memory Care Team
Working in a memory care community can be emotionally and physically demanding. Issues with burnout and stress can increase during these seasonal transitions. That’s why communities need to provide staff with the necessary resources and support. Ensure they have manageable workloads and take sufficient breaks. Provide quiet break areas where employees can get away from their work at times. Build a culture where staff members listen to each other and are supportive. Various mental health resources may also be vital.
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