How Do We Help Clients In Skilled Nursing Facilities Sleep?

Question

Answer

My supervisor has worked in a facility where they have a sleep program. I do know that in skilled nursing facilities, it doesn't generally matter when you treat, as long as the hours get in by the end of the week. I do have colleagues that perform p.m. ADLs as opposed to a.m. ADLs, which are also called reverse ADLs. This might also be an area where you can bill the facility directly and perform an in-service. From a quality control perspective, this might be something that the administration might get on board with and would like to implement strategies. Waking patients for meds and vital signs can’t be avoided. However, there may be ways to decrease or block the noise, if patients are experiencing anxiety. Perhaps there are things we can do during our treatment that can be carried over to a home exercise program for the patient to perform prior to bed in the facility without us.