A recent evaluation reveals the value of incorporating circadian lighting from the beginning and integrating it with security systems. This enhances the well-being and sense of security for both residents and staff.
At Plejecenter Lundtoft in Vejen Kommune, the sun rises in a consistent rhythm year-round. The circadian lighting gradually illuminates the care center in the morning and fades like a sunset in the evening. These natural transitions between darkness at night and abundant light during the day have created a stable circadian rhythm in the facility, increasing a sense of security.
— The circadian lighting is integrated into our entire mindset and the architecture we have chosen, says Bo Smith, area manager, adding:
— We place great emphasis on the effects of light - both natural daylight and circadian lighting - on humans and the quality of life it provides.
Last year, the circadian lighting was installed in conjunction with the establishment of a brand new dementia unit. The architecture prioritizes homeliness, security, and ample daylight.
Ideal lighting conditions for the residents
Chromaviso, a specialist in health-promoting lighting solutions, has customized the circadian lighting to meet the dementia diagnoses and needs of the residents at Lundtofte. This solution supports the circadian rhythm and promotes good sleep, allowing the light to be used actively in various situations. For example, the light is integrated with the call system.
— When a call is triggered in the evening or a resident gets out of bed, a pleasant light automatically turns on. This lets the resident know that the staff has heard them and they can easily find their way to the bathroom. It creates a sense of security and can reduce the number of falls and wandering, explains Bo Smith.
A Perfect Beginning to the Day
The staff arrives in the morning at half past six in a warm, amber-colored lighting.
— We feel more refreshed during the day, and when it's evening, we can sleep - and that goes for both residents and staff, explains Pia Datsomor, a social and health assistant. This experience has just been confirmed in an evaluation.
— We noticed the effect quite quickly. The evaluation shows that the residents become calm, they establish a more natural circadian rhythm. For some, we have even been able to reduce their sleeping medication, as they sleep better, says Randi Holdt, team coordinator.
For the staff, the effect has been that they have more energy when they go home in the afternoon. For the evening shifts, the effect is that they find it easier to fall asleep after a shift, explains Bo Smith.
Customized adaptation
The circadian lighting operates automatically. Customized zone-specific light settings are used as an integral part of daily care, both in therapeutic situations and work tasks.
— We have focused a lot on the light and what it does at different times. We have experimented and now actively use the light in many situations. We constantly assess what each individual needs, and we have had great success with that, explains Randi Holdt, team coordinator.
Pia Datsomor provides two examples of how the light supports her work:
— When I am in the kitchen in the morning, I often set it to boost in the kitchen zone to get extra energy and light for the task. Over lunch, we set it to cozy lighting, and it helps the elderly relax and unwind.
Absenteeism at an all-time low
The workplace prioritizes a high focus on the work environment, resulting in an impressively low absenteeism rate of only 1%. This achievement led to Plejecenter Lundtoft being nominated for the Workplace Award in 2018.
— The circadian lighting has greatly improved our everyday lives. We can feel the difference compared to the old lighting. We no longer experience headaches when we go home, and we feel refreshed, says Randi Holdt.
— A funny story from a colleague is that when she used to come home, she would flop onto the couch. Her husband thought it was great because then he had the remote control all to himself. But now that she started working here, he no longer has it to himself. It says something about how this lighting just does something. And it also does a lot for our residents, she concludes.
