Feasibility of Smart Ambient Bright Light for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia
Author Information
Author(s): Liao Yo-Jen, Jao Ying-Ling, Boltz Marie
Primary Institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Hypothesis
This study examined NH staff’s perspectives on the feasibility of implementing the Smart Ambient Bright Light (SABL).
Conclusion
Staff perspectives on the SABL were positive, but some improvements to the light brightness and automatic system are needed.
Supporting Evidence
- Quantitative results showed good feasibility (mean=4.4, SD=0.51), acceptability (mean=4.1, SD=0.9), and appropriateness (mean=4, SD=0.7) on a 1-5 scale.
- Maintenance staff reported that installing the SABL was relatively easy.
- Some staff reported that the lights were too bright while others thought it made people more awake during the day.
- Most staff reported that the lighting system was easy to use while others preferred manual control to better accommodate residents’ various routine.
- Some reported that residents showed improved neurobehavioral symptoms, sleep, mood, and engagement.
Takeaway
The study looked at how nursing home staff felt about using special lights to help residents with dementia. Most staff liked the lights, but some thought they were too bright.
Methodology
A convergent mixed methods study with quantitative data collected using various measures and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews.
Limitations
Limitations on the facility’s building structure and lighting fixtures should be considered in future studies.
Participant Demographics
Participants included nursing, activity, maintenance, and administrative staff from two nursing homes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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