TITLE:
Sleeping Conditions of Older Adults with Delirium Receiving Home Care
AUTHORS:
Masako Higo, Kiyomi Morimoto
KEYWORDS:
Patients in Home Care, Elderly, Delirium, Sleep
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.15 No.8,
August
30,
2023
ABSTRACT: We aimed to clarify the sleep status before delirium onset among older adults receiving home care. The sleep status of 21 participants aged ≥65 years was monitored while they slept with a sensor placed under their bedding, after ruling out insomnia and dementia. The incidence of delirium was 28.6%; delirium onset occurred within an average of 2.7 (SD = 12) days after the start of home care among those whose care environment was changed due to hospital discharge or moving. Increased interrupted sleep and activity during sleep indicated that sleep fragmentation occurred before delirium onset. In conclusion, individuals aged ≥65 years and those whose care environment has changed should be screened for delirium because the time to delirium onset is short. Further, interventions to monitor the sleep status and prevent delirium onset should be implemented from the day home care begins.