The aim of this study was to investigate recognition by nurses and care-workers of the　burden of caring for patients with dementia during night shifts, and to consider possible approaches to decrease that burden. 46 staff members working with dementia patients and also having night shift work experience participated in this study using a self-administered questionnaire. We received a total of 37 responses from 14 nurses and 23 care-workers. Patient-care duties most contributing to the sense of a heavy work load for both the nurses and care-workers were: “It was very timeconsuming tending to the incontinence and urine discharge （nurses scored 7.6 out of a maximum of 10, care-workers 6.2）”; “It was time-consuming changing diapers single-handedly （nurses scored 7.6, care-workers 6.5）”; and, “It was difficult to ensure the safety of elderly patients during the night （nurses scored 7.1, care-workers 6.1）” . It is necessary to undertake an excretion timing assessment to encourage toilet use for predicted excretion events. This would reduce time needed for sheet and clothing changes by a single staff member. This approach would not only decrease the staff burden of diaper changing but would also encourage more attentive observation for improved elderly patient safety at night.