Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease often experience something called “sundowning.” This refers to increased confusion, anxiety, and aggression that tends to happen in the late afternoon or evening hours. Sundowning can be very difficult for those with Alzheimer’s and their families or caregivers. However, there are specialized Alzheimer’s home care approaches that can help manage sundowning symptoms and support everyone affected.
What is Sundowning?
Sundowning causes people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias to become more disoriented, restless, and upset as the day goes on and evening approaches. Common sundowning behaviors include pacing, wandering, yelling, hallucinations, resisting care, and sudden mood changes. The reasons aren’t fully known, but experts think triggers like fatigue from the day’s activities, lighting, and shifts in the body’s circadian rhythms may be factors. When this happens, it can be very frustrating for seniors and their loved ones, which is why understanding how to manage the issue is key.
What Impact Does Sundowning Have on Seniors and Their Families?
Sundowning disrupts normal routines and quality of life because the confusion and behavior changes make it harder for seniors to communicate their needs or follow instructions. This leads to frustration, anxiety, and exhaustion for both them and their family members. However, with the tips and tricks that Alzheimer’s care provides, loved ones can gain much-needed support and ideas to approach the situation in a different way.
How Does Alzheimer’s Care Help?
Alzheimer’s care can help loved ones and seniors in many ways, including the following: Structured Daily Routines – Having set times for meals, activities, and rest minimizes disruptions that can trigger sundowning behaviors. Loved ones can easily set a schedule to follow and provide seniors with the stability they need.
Calming Environment – Lighting can be gradually dimmed in the evenings through the use of smart lighting or closing blinds. Additionally, loved ones can encourage seniors to lower the volume on the TV or do relaxing activities.
Therapeutic Activities – Speaking of activities, the evening hours might be the perfect time to encourage seniors to work on puzzles, crafts, or listen to an audiobook. Each of these activities also has a therapeutic element, which is crucial for their general well-being.
One-on-One Support – Loved ones should use reassuring tones, redirection techniques, and comforting companionship to ease sundowning anxiety.
Observation and Medication – Seniors will need to be closely monitored for signs of sundowning episodes. If loved ones notice an increase in symptoms or they become too severe, they should talk with the seniors’ medical team.
Other sundowning management tips are listed below:
● Limit caffeine and sugar intake later in the day to avoid overstimulation
● Use night lights or leave a bathroom light on to reduce disorientation
● Have seniors wear a watch or place clocks around the house to remind them of the time
● Limit disruptions by bathing earlier in the day
● Validate seniors’ feelings rather than argue with irrational thoughts/statements
● Reminisce about positive memories from their younger years to provide comfort
With comprehensive Alzheimer’s home care, the challenges of sundowning can be reduced, and seniors can maintain their dignity. If loved ones are searching for assistance with sundowning, reach out to FirstLight Home Care of Central Denver to see how we can help.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s home care in Littleton, CO please contact the caring staff at FirstLight Home Care of Central Denver today at (303) 953-9575 FirstLight Home Care of Central Denver provides exceptional home care for seniors in Denver, Littleton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Lakewood, Golden, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Aurora and surrounding areas.
Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2017/ways-to-manage-sundown-syndrome
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/sleep-issues-sundowning
https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/tips-managing-sundowning
