Behavioral Sleep Intervention in Adult Family Homes

The Sleep Education Program (SEP) is conducted by a licensed MS- or PhD-level mental health professional experienced in working with persons with dementia and their caregivers. The therapist meets with the AFH owner/operator and staff for four weekly sessions at the AFH. The SEP content includes information about the causes of sleep problems in dementia, and provides staff with assistance in developing customized resident behavioral sleep plans focused on environmental (light and noise), dietary (eliminating caffeine and excessive nighttime fluids), and sleep scheduling (reducing afternoon/ evening napping; consistent, appropriate bed and rising times) factors that are commonly associated with resident nighttime awakenings. A written manual is used.