Besides earplugs, what can I do to discourage noises my dad with dementia makes (mostly at night).

Not to contradict Whitney, but I like the purple or orange round-tipped soft foam ones from the drugstore. Pinch it the long way, insert it and then sort of screw it into your ear canal. When it expands it will filter out a lot of noise. It may not work for your situation, but it does for mine.

thanks Whitney. I know the ones I have aren't all that effective. Any particular characteristics or brands to look for in ear plugs?

There are a few on-line ear plug stores which sell only ear plugs. I have purchased some great ones on-line over the years. Speaking for myself, the ear plugs sold in drug stores are not that effective. You may want to buy several different types on-line, and try them all, then when you find one you like, it can make a big difference, (not 100%, but it's worth a try).

Hello!!! I said it first! ;0)

Jinx4740. Thanks for your answer. I have an app for white noise but hadn't thought of using it. I think in some ways I was concerned something might be wrong but he seems fine. He does (and always has) snore. So do I. So it's my kids that will need the ear plugs and white noise machines! lol. Anyway, his noises vary to some degree, ranging from Donald Duck-like sounds, moaning/growling type of in-throat sounds and occasionally talking out. Every once in awhile he calls out for my mom, who passed away in 2008. When he makes these sounds in the morning, sometimes he does it on purpose. Since he's really hard of hearing, I even thought maybe he likes how it sounds in his ears--if that makes any sense.

What kind of noises is he making? If he is snoring, that might be sleep apnea. If he is calling out, that is a problem I have heard of that is troublesome even in nursing homes. Tell his doctor. Try a white noise machine for yourself.

Good luck!

Hi wordy2shoes, does your Dad have sleep apnea? If not diagnosed you might want to get that looked into if he is making weird sleep noises. You could get a white noise maker. Google "white noise maker" and you should find some examples and for sale.

Just what kind of noises are we talking about, anyway. Just curious.