Overnight Social Activities for Residents of Special Care Units for Dementia

ABSTRACT

Therapeutic activity programs on special care units (SCUs) for dementia support cognitive functioning, accommodate behaviors specific to dementia, and provide residents with important social outlets. This study examined the activities that were available to and utilized by residents during the overnight hours (from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) on two SCUs. Using a qualitative, case-study approach, two themes emerged from the data: residents utilize activity outlets only if they are made available and accessible and “knowing the residents” is essential to anticipating activity needs and desires. Practice implications are also discussed to facilitate in the development of overnight activity programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Activities
• dementia
• special care units