Sundowning is a term broadly used to describe a set of behaviours occurring in people with or without dementia, which commonly presents later in the afternoon, evening and late at night. Behaviours include confusion, disorientation, anxiety, agitation, yelling and calling out, aggressive outbursts (verbal and/or physical), pacing and wandering.
While not a formal psychiatric diagnosis, the prevalence of sundowning is well recognised and well documented. Some literature suggests rates of sundowning for elderly persons with cognitive impairment such as dementia are as high as 66%. Sundowning can be very challenging to manage and have a significant impact on the person and their loved ones/carers who are supporting them.
Read moreRecently I met with one of the most experienced and skilled Mental Health Clinical Nurses in Queensland – Rachel Woolcock. Rachel has over 20 years’ experience with Mental Health including acute care and homeless health. Rachel has undertaken Sensory Modulation Brisbane training and applies Sensory Modulation strategies regularly when working with very distressed or agitated clients. Rachel identifies that one of the most beneficial techniques for this client group has been cooling down with the dive reflex response. In her experience, Rachel has found that it is important to acknowledge that the technique sounds 'unusual' or 'a bit funny' but continues to encourage people to try it, with positive outcomes!
Read moreWeighted blankets are a popular Christmas present this year and have also been described by Time Magazine as one of the best inventions of 2018 (Source: Choice Magazine.) Gravity weighted blankets have sold over $18 US million dollars worth of weighted blankets yet many experts say that there is no evidence that they work. .
I must admit I am getting a little tired of ‘experts’ being interviewed who state that there is no evidence for weighed blankets. I wonder if they do a recent google search or if they are going on something that they read years ago when the research trials were just beginning.
It would be more accurate to describe that there is strong evidence in some areas and limited evidence in other areas. In research groups, strong and limited evidence is described according to levels of evidence. This table describes the categories of level of evidence.
Read moreA Sensory Room is a dedicated room with an array of sensory items and strategies for people to trial and use to support their development of self-management skills and to change their moods through Sensory Modulation*. Sensory rooms have been found to be useful in many mental health units by those who use them. (Champagne, 2011).
Often people express that they would like to use Sensory Modulation, but that their organisation is unable to fund a Sensory Room or find the space to put one. The good news is that is possible to use Sensory Modulation on an inpatient ward or emergency department without a Sensory Room through the use of low cost or existing sensory items or considering the environment.
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