Nightlights And Dementia

Why are nightlights so important for people with Dementia? They can help people living with Dementia feel less agitated, improve their sleep pattern and make them more comfortable. We interviewed Emily, the founder of Dementia Café. Emily talks about her mother who is living with Dementia and why she has decided to buy nightlights for her mum.

Why did you decide to install nightlights for Your Mum?

My Mother has Alzheimers Disease. I recently learned that my Mother sleeps with a light on as a safety measure. I thought this was ridiculous but learned that apparently many people who have had falls (as he has) do. A regular bedside light of course gives off way too much light to sleep. (This was my first thought.) Cue me going to Ikea on the lookout for nightlights, which offer enough light to see to get to the bathroom in the night but not too much light that they would prevent you from sleeping well.

Why was it that important?

My Mother had a fall a few years ago and fractured her wrist. Falls can be fatal. Many end up in hospital and cannot go home after serious falls or are wheelchair bound if the outcome is more serious. As we age our bones become more fragile. If having a light on or a nightlight can prevent this from happening then I think it’s worth it.

Do you think that it is helping her and in what way?

I believe it is. I installed two lights. Both were from Ikea and relatively inexpensive. The first one which is smaller is called: Spoka. It looks like a little animal, quite cute.

The second light that I installed is a lampshade that fits over the existing main light in the room. It’s called: Ikea Ps 2014. They’re available n different colours. Here’s the one that I bought:

It opens and closes to transform from a lampshade to a closed shell like structure which just produces a small amount of light and so becomes a nightlight.

Here it is in use on YOUTUBE:

Where did you install these and why?

I installed these in Mum’s bedroom so that she could see to walk about if she did get up in the night. If you can’t see where you’re going you’re more likely to fall over and of course this is what we don’t want.

Is the Spoka (blue) light really helping her to sleep better?

 The Spoka light is more soothing than anything else. I think it depends on the size of the room and the individual as to what’s right for them.

The Spoka changes colour. It starts off blue and then the colours change. Lights changing colour in rooms, or Sensory Rooms as they’re known can really ease anxiety for those with dementia. This one is more something to look at while you fall asleep. It just soothes, it doesn’t produce a massive amount of light ad it is ocated in one corner, where she ca see it, whereas the

Here’s a guide on how to create a sensory room for someone with dementia: