Confusion and poor judgment. Problems with words-explaining what it is they need or want. The cottages are set up with this principle in mind. If possible,areas should be flat , without grades and handrails should protect and guide whenever possible. No overhead paging systems, please, as even our cottage phones must be on lower than normal to keep confusion at a minimum.
Dual occupancy decreases night or evening fears.
Mid to later stages have greatdifficulty with sleeping through the night, but if you can take the time to pair residents with like stages and personalities, night time can be fun and have a safer feeling for your residents. Closets should be made with separate distinctions per each resident and built in dressers keep everything in one place making it easier for caregivers and residents . We place residents shoes on the top shelf built into the closets. Remember, if your staff cannot perform their jobs effectively and safely, you may have a beautiful building with no direct caregivers. Our general supplies and nursing stations are built into each country kitchen with a locked door so we are conveniently able to give medications, have charts available for physicians and all incontinent supplies, teeth, hearing aides , etc. are only a few steps away for each caregiver.