Residents in the program enjoy normal day- to-day activities but receive additional care at sundown, the time of day when those with dementia typically experience more severe symptoms.


During this time, it’s not uncommon for those with dementia to experience increased states of confusion, anxiety, or even aggression. Residents are also more prone to wandering or becoming confused with their surroundings.


The program places activities assistants with patients to help divert stress and anxiety during the sundown period. The approach limits the need for nurses and places an added focus on socialization and engagement. Stress management is often considered a form of preventative care for dementia, and the Bridges aims to apply the principle for those already suffering from the disease.


This approach is part of larger movement in senior living, where non-drug approaches to wellness such as social prescribing and activity-based engagement are becoming more commonplace. These methods focus on non-clinical services to help support residents’ needs and health.


“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a big player now, or a regional player, everything we did five years ago or ten years ago is pretty much out the window.”


Listen to Traci’s story here on the BTG Network 17


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