Supporting sleep in institutionalized and community-dwelling older adults (August 11, 2026)

Presented by: Amanda Buono

Up to 70% of older adults experience chronic sleep problems (Milner & Kryger, 2016), significantly increasing risks for falls, dementia, depression, and cardiovascular disease—major concerns in Western health care. Institutionalized older adults face even greater sleep deficits and health risks compared to community-dwelling older adults (da Silva et al., 2020). Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to address this widespread issue through meaningful occupation and sleep hygiene education. This webinar equips occupational therapists with practical, evidence-based strategies to improve sleep and overall health outcomes in long-term care and assisted living settings. This webinar presents a quality improvement program addressing sleep in assisted living and memory care facilities as a model for care. Participants will learn about four key factors affecting sleep in institutionalized older adults: reduced daytime activity, loneliness, pain and fatigue, and poor sleep hygiene. The presenter will describe the assessment process for evaluating residents' sleep levels, barriers, and occupational engagement and participation needs. Evidence-based group interventions will be shared, including strategies to increase social participation, light exercise, pain management, and sleep hygiene education, along with data on participant engagement, satisfaction, and sleep quality outcomes.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Understand the relationship of sleep and health in institutionalized older adults and the role of occupational therapy in supporting sleep in this population.
2. Describe at least one way to assess sleep and three ways to support sleep in older adults in long-term care and assistive living settings.

Level  Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)

Area of practice Dementia, Health Promotion & Wellness, Older Adults 

Client age group Older adults (65+ years old)