Human Services Commissioner in St. Cloud Touting Grant Program

ST. CLOUD -- The St. Benedict's Senior Community is getting part of a state grant to launch a new program to better monitor patients' activity and sleep patterns. A watch will be put on the wrist of the seniors to monitor things like noise, light and restlessness.

State Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson toured the facility today (Friday) to get a first-hand look at the restorative sleep program for herself. She says this grant program is designed to improve patient care across Minnesota.  Jesson says the grants are a great way to help develop innovative programs on the front lines and improve patient outcomes.

St. Benedict's Senior Community will use $400,000 of a $9,500,000 pool of money to launch the sleep program at four of their campuses. The others are in Sauk Centre, Melrose and Monticello.

St. Benedict's Senior Community Care Center Administrator Christine Bakke says research shows a better night's sleep should improve patient mobility, mental health and the overall nursing home experience.