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I think a lot of the elderly have this same concern. Several elderly people I know leave the light on all night. Some hire someone to stay with them.
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Glad to see this old post show up again. I had some input into the bedrail discussions but my favorite is the Mary Kathleen "Give me the Teddy Bear!!!!" story on page 5. I laugh every time I read it.
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Agree that the bedrails are a potential problem as well as the potential for safety, if the rails are well made. My 96 year old dad, new to a hospital bed, started gripping on the side bars and won't let go. I was warned not to leave any table nearby, he could reach for something and tumble out, Where is the innovation? One thing to learn from all of these wonderful entries on this board....we need to try things ahead of the need, and be willing to try various things on short notice. Dr. Oliver Sachs says the part of the brain that is last to go, is the part that responds to music. It may not be music of the era for your loved one. Maybe it's classical music or music they practiced for lessons. Take a look at You Tube for not only his lectures about the mind and music, but also for many wonderful long playing sessions. I use Glenn Miller or Frank, hours at a time. There are old radio shows in abundance, would quickly help someone nod off. There are Retro Lets Make a Deal, 1950’s sports, all on You Tube. Let's try things ahead of time, before the need is critical. Oh, and for bumpers, get those pool noodles at the dollar store and cut them to fit, can go under a fitted sheet. I went in to find my dad lifting one in sequences like when he lifted barbells. About the fifth day he said....what is this? ? What with being neon pink and all. I said, it's a pool noodle and kept walking.
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I've heard more than once that a colic-y baby is quieted when the vacuum is running. The idea there is 'white noise', like an electric fan or the clothes dryer, or an aquarium. All those sounds are available on apps at a nominal cost. Costco has an excellent stand for the iPad, when you station it, it looks like a bitty tv. Be sure to give the patient a suggestion as you develop the ritual....this will give you pleasant dreams tonight.....this is the music you danced to in high school....this is we used for your nap today, it will help you sleep again and will turn off when the sun comes up. Power of suggestion. Power of ritual. You don't need to be member of anything to explore the Apple Apps....what you need is right there, soothing music, inspirational backdrop, white noise of an overhead fan. We can try several dozen things before using drugs that probably cause more harm than we know about. Idea sharing, like this wonderful board, helps us think. Teas, stuffed animals, milk with honey, wearing socks to bed, bedtime rituals, try these things before the drugs which may or may not work over time.
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She's not afraid of sleeping but of going to bed, claiming the room is too big. She sleeps in a chair in the family room despite doctor's recommendation that she goes back to bed so her legs are properly elevated to prevent swelling. Dad sleeps in own room as he has done for 20+ years.
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Boontz, I haven't dealt with this so I'm just offering suggestions "off the top of my head." Can you put soft furniture (in case she falls) in the room to make it appear smaller? Or can you get a recliner to put in the living room so at least her legs can be elevated?

If not, perhaps you can find a stool that can be blocked at the base so it doesn't move, but on which she can rest her feet.
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Does she live alone? Is she in an apartment or house? Can any family member stay with her at night. You can also hire a sitter for overnight. At 94 it would probably be better to have a family member. My mom would get scared periodically and I would stay in her room until she fell asleep. It usually only took a few minutes.
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You may laugh, but as I had to move to Massachusetts and live alone with my mother, I bought myself a stuffed llama to sleep with. I missed my kitty not to mention I did have a life before this!
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Deleted. Just realized this is a very old thread. :)
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