THOUGHTFUL care home staff ditched their uniform in favour of pyjamas in an effort to help disorientated residents.

The scheme was trialled at Lime Court Care Home, in Dovercourt, to assist residents in differentiating between night and day staff.

A spokeswoman for the home said the trial had been a success.

“Recognising whether it is night or day can be confusing for care home residents with dementia, particularly when staff in the home wear the same clothes at all hours,” she said.

“This can cause disruptions to daily routines, with sleep deprivation, pacing at night and restlessness in residents.”

Following the trial, staff reported that one resident who used to become angry when informed it was night time, is happier now when staff point out they are all dressed for bed.

Another resident, who would become restless and pace in the early hours, returns to bed when witnessing staff in their pyjamas.

The spokeswoman said: “She sees the staff in their pyjamas and says ‘sorry, is it night, have I woken you? I’ll go back to bed.’

“The residents’ initial reaction to staff in their pyjamas was positive, with smiles and chatting about their outfits.”