Up & Coming Weekly

FEB. 24 - MARCH 2, 2010 UCW 13 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Night Fright: Seniors' Fears Often Take Centerstage by MARTHA OWEN AND SUSAN GUY During the day, dementia regularly sends the 86-year-old woman into states of confusion. But at night, her situation worsens considerably. In the dark, she is terrified and often doesn't know where she is or whom she's with. Across the county, another woman about the same age also fears the night. It's then that she wonders who might know she's alone and if they'll break into her house and rob her. Whether the causes are physical or psychological, or re- lated to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, night- time can be a frighten- ing time for seniors — especially those who are living alone. Many problems that occur with seniors at night are rooted in the physical changes that take place as the result of aging. And those issues are often connected to sleep disorders. Seniors' sleep prob- lems may be rooted in many sources. "There are physiological changes occurring with age, such as a decreased amount of time spent in some stages of sleep," says Dr. Harrison Bloom of New York City's International Longevity Center-USA. In addition, he lists sev- eral other barriers that can limit quality sleep for seniors: • Congestive heart failure, which prevents people from resting in a flat position; • Arthritis pain, which can keep sufferers awake; • Bladder or pros- tate problems that prompt people to get up for repeated bathroom breaks; and, • Even medications for certain diseases can impact sleep. Nonetheless, even though research is help- ing to identify solutions, statistics indicate that more seniors than ever are searching for medi- cal remedies to sleep problems. However, while many such aids are on the market, sleep medi- cations might not be the best answer for all older adults, as some may make seniors confused and disoriented. The good news is that frightened older adults typically ben- efit tremendously from nighttime companion- ship. In fact, the seniors served by our franchise often face challenges at night that can disturb their sleep as well as their peace of mind. This seems like a pretty simple response to a very complicated problem, so you might ask, "Does it work?" Well, the 86-year-old woman with dementia who awoke at night was very effectively reas- sured by a regular over- night CAREGiver. And for the woman who was afraid of being robbed, along with provid- ing her with overnight companionship, efforts were made to secure her home – including light- ing the exterior of her house. It's those kinds of extras that can make the difference between seniors having peace of mind or being afraid in their own homes. MARTHA OWEN & SUSAN GUY Contributing Writers COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com Tips to Avoid Night Fright • Encourage seniors to obtain a lifeline, which is a but- ton they can push to summon medical help if they need it. • At night play soft music which has a calming effect. • Install night lights to make it easier for seniors to see when they get up at night. • Light the out- side of the house and set timers to activate some indoor lights. Older adults feel more secure knowing their house is illumi- nated. • Let your older loved ones know they can call you. Put your number or that of an- other family member or friend on speed dial. • Reassure them the house is secure and rehearse them on the process to make sure their doors and windows are locked. • Make sure the interior of the house is safe by installing grab bars and getting rid of throw rugs. • Consider cli- mate control but make sure the house isn't too hot or too cold. • Encourage a set routine which helps a senior feel less anx- ious. • Hire a caregiver who can provide as- sistance from a few hours a day to 24 hours, seven days a week.

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