AboutMichalene Peticca Expertise I'd be happy to help with any questions about Alzheimer's or Dementia diseases. I can also help with Medicare, Long term care & other insurance questions.
Experience I have my Masters degree in Geriatrics and am credentialed through the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pennstate Milton Hershey hospital and the American Geriatrics Society. I've been in healthcare for over 20 years and worked directly with Alzheimer's and Dementia individuals for most of that time. I am also a licensed insurance agent in PA and MD. Currently i train healthcare professionals to care for Alzheimer and Dementia individuals and i have been a care manager for guardianship services in PA
Organizations American Geriatrics Society
Education/Credentials Masters degree in Geriatrics
Licensed insurance agent in PA & MD.
Past/Present clients PHI Homes in Pennsylvania
York, Dauphin & Adams County Area on Aging
The Jewish Home of Harrisburg
Question My dad is 85, has moderate Alzheimer's and dementia. At home he would sleep 20-22 hours each day. Can that be due to not getting enough deep sleep? At the nursing home, they put him in a large chair without head rest, where he's slumped over sleeping. Is there a need to have patients sitting up for long hours during the day? Can't they allow him to lie down most of the day? He gets daily physical therapy.
Answer Hi Carl,
Thank you for writing. Most individuals in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease do tend to sleep a lot. It is not uncommon for the amount of time you mention with your father. However, i would also have his physician review his medications, just to make sure he isn't on too much of a medication that may cause extreme drowsiness.
I would also ask staff if he might be able to be placed in a reclining chair or "geri-chair" for comfort. He may also be able to sleep in these.
State regulations require Nursing homes to offer opportunities to residents to be out of bed and out of their rooms for a good portion of the day. Staff are only trying to follow what the State thinks they should be doing for the vast majority..not necessarily what is needed by your father.
Talk to staff and see if you can't come up with some good ideas. I think they will appreciate your input and understanding as well!
