In the past six months, Ålholmhjemmet has successfully implemented Chromaviso Circadian Lighting as part of their dementia care efforts. Today, the center has circadian lighting installed in most common areas, hallways, offices, and six residential units.
— We chose circadian lighting to help our dementia patients have a better night's sleep. They would often wake up, wander the halls, and want breakfast. Our old lighting would wake them up and make it difficult to get them back to bed, explains Kirsten Gosvig, the center's director.
The first phase of circadian lighting was ready just as the dark winter season began in October 2017.
— It was ready on a Friday, and when I came to work on Monday, everyone was thrilled. We didn't have a long implementation period - we reaped the benefits from day one. It has been so user-friendly and easy to use, she adds.
— It is one of the welfare technologies we have implemented that has been successful right from the start.
Residents experience a greater sense of calmness and tranquility.
Chromaviso's Circadian Lighting has been proven effective in clinical studies and research. The lighting has also had a significant impact on the residents at Ålholmhjemmet.
— We have a greater sense of calmness at night. Overall, they sleep better, and there aren't as many waking up. There might still be a few who wake up, but they are more relaxed, says Kirsten Gosvig. Based on the positive results, she has prioritized expanding the circadian lighting solution. Most recently, six residents have had the lighting installed in their homes, and it has proven to be very beneficial.
— The residents who have the circadian lighting in their homes have become even more consistent in their sleep patterns, and in the mornings, the peaceful start to the light has resulted in a calmer morning routine. They get up calmly, get dressed, and go out to eat. There is no longer a rush. Especially one resident, who used to be very restless, has changed their behavior after having the circadian lighting installed in their home. Today, they sleep much more and are generally more calm, she explains.
The staff is filled with excitement and enthusiasm
Despite the fact that the circadian lighting was initially intended for the residents, the staff has also experienced significant benefits.
— The night shift workers are thrilled. They feel that their own circadian rhythm is being supported. Even though they are at work, their bodies are able to relax, making it easier for them to fall asleep when they get home. They also enjoy the tranquility that exists in the hallways at night, says Kirsten Gosvig.
Great benefits for the staff
The day and evening shift staff also experience the positive effects of circadian lighting.
— Daytime staff have more energy after a day of work, less headaches, and less eye strain. They appreciate the gentle start provided by the light when they arrive at 7 a.m., just as the evening shift workers enjoy the gradual dimming of the light towards the evening, creating a sense of calmness throughout the facility. This means they are able to quickly get ready for bed and sleep when they get home. Previously, it could take them up to two hours to fall asleep, but now they can sleep after just half an hour to an hour, says Kirsten Gosvig.
— This is one of the investments where I can see equal benefits for both the employees and the residents. It is all about well-being, sleep, and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm. I believe in it so much that I have also installed circadian lighting in my own office, she adds.
A better home for the residents
Kirsten Gosvig and the rest of the staff have a desire to have Chromaviso Circadian Lighting in the remaining homes and common areas.
— A different sense of calmness descends upon the nursing home, providing a better home for those who live here and a better work life for the staff - hopefully resulting in less illness in the long run. With this investment, we are also sending a signal that we want to ensure a good environment for both residents and employees, explains Kirsten Gosvig.
Smooth Implementation
According to Kirsten Gosvig, a crucial part of the success has been the smooth implementation. Chromaviso has been responsible for implementing the circadian lighting - including user training, adjustments, and the final light calibration, which is crucial for reducing headaches and creating a pleasant experience in the light.
— Everyone - both staff, residents, and families - could clearly see the difference between the new and old lighting. As the positive experiences with the lighting spread, so did the excitement and anticipation, even among those who were initially hesitant. This means that we now have a great enthusiasm for the lighting, says Kirsten Gosvig, concluding:
— We have been very satisfied with the collaboration with Chromaviso. It has just worked. It is interesting how you can make a change that has so many positive results and is also so easy to implement.