Abstract
We conducted a study of eight elderly people at two nursing homes and one hospital to observe their daily rhythms (sleep/activity patterns), and we provided care based on the results of the observation. Four subjects were found to have irregular daily rhythms. We analyzed the characteristics and causes of these irregular daily rhythms, as well as the care provided. The following findings were obtained. (1) There were cases in which the subject's daily rhythm had only slight fluctuations (very little activity). This was characteristic of elderly who are bedridden and totally dependent on others. (2) There were cases in which the cycle of the subject's daily rhythm was disrupted. This is considered to be a common disorder of elderly with dementia. (3) A elderly patient at hospital showed difficulty in forming a regular daily rhythm (set pattern of activity). We believe the patient at hospital have fewer changes and too stimuli in her daily living, and that her physical condition tend to be oversensitive to the hospital environment. (4) We have found that the two nursing homes were offer in good environment for helping elderly people recover their regular daily rhythm. The hospital environment, on the other hand, tends to hamper this recovery. (5) Care which eases pain and provides comfort are considered effective for helping elderly people regain their regular daily rhythms.
