Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, especially when you notice patterns of confusion or agitation in the late afternoon or evening.
Maybe your loved one has become restless, anxious, or even aggressive as the sun begins to set. This change in behavior might leave you feeling concerned and overwhelmed, wondering what could be causing this shift.
If you’ve observed your loved one’s dementia confusion comes and goes more severely during this time of day, they might be experiencing something called sundown syndrome (also known as sundowners syndrome).
Sundowning in dementia is a common symptom where individuals become increasingly confused, agitated, or restless during the late afternoon or evening hours.
At Chisholm Trail Estates, we understand the challenges families face when caring for someone with dementia, especially when it involves late-day confusion. Our memory care community in Keene, TX, is dedicated to providing the support you need to manage these difficult symptoms.
In this guide, we’ll explore what sundowning is, tips for managing it, and how our specialized memory care program can offer peace of mind and relief.
What is Sundowning?
Sundown syndrome refers to a range of symptoms, including confusion, anxiety, and restlessness. These typically occur in the late afternoon and evening in people with dementia.
Unlike typical confusion experienced by people with Alzheimer’s throughout the day, sundowning is specific to a certain time of day, making it particularly challenging to manage.
Sundowning symptoms may include:
- Increased confusion or disorientation
- Restlessness and pacing
- Agitation or irritability
- Difficulty sleeping or wandering at night
- Emotional outbursts or aggressive behavior
Although the exact cause of sundowning in dementia is unknown, several factors may contribute to its onset:
- Fatigue from a long day can make it harder for a person with dementia to cope with their environment.
- Changes in lighting or shadows during the evening may cause confusion and discomfort.
- Difficulty differentiating between reality and perception as it gets darker outside.
- Disruptions in the body’s internal clock lead to confusion between day and night.
- Underlying health conditions like urinary tract infections can develop delirium and exacerbate confusion.
- The stage of dementia may influence the severity of sundowning symptoms as cognitive decline progresses over time.
Tips for Managing Sundowning
Dealing with sundown syndrome can be emotionally taxing for both the caregiver and the person with dementia. However, there are steps you can take to manage sundowning and help your loved one feel more at ease.
Here are some helpful strategies to reduce the risk of sundowning symptoms:
- Increase natural light exposure: Letting natural light into the home during the day can help regulate the body’s internal clock. Open curtains or take your loved one outside for a walk during daylight hours to reduce confusion.
- Maintain a consistent daily routine: Structure and predictability can help minimize confusion. Plan daily activities like meals, walks, and social engagement at the same time each day, reducing the chance of emotional agitation.
- Limit daytime napping: While it’s important for older adults to rest, long or frequent daytime naps may disrupt their sleep patterns and contribute to restlessness in the evening.
- Create a calm evening environment: Reduce noise, avoid stimulating TV shows, and try soft lighting in the evening to help calm the individual. A quiet, relaxed atmosphere can ease anxiety.
- Keep the evening simple: Avoid overwhelming activities in the late afternoon or evening, which may lead to increased confusion or agitation.
A Message for Caregivers
As a family member caring for someone with dementia, your well-being is just as important as your loved one’s. It’s essential to recognize the emotional and physical toll that caregiving can take, especially when managing behaviors associated with sundowning. Remember to take care of yourself and ask for help when needed.
Here are a few tips for caregiver self-care:
- Take breaks and ask for support: You don’t have to handle everything alone. Enlist help from family members, friends, or professional caregivers to give yourself some much-needed rest.
- Consider respite care: Respite care offers temporary relief for caregivers by allowing your loved one to stay in a professional care setting for a short period. This gives you time to recharge while ensuring your loved one is cared for.
- Practice stress management: Whether meditation, exercise, or simply spending time doing something you enjoy, make time for self-care to manage stress.
Why Memory Care May Be the Best Solution
While in-home care can help manage day-to-day needs, people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia often require more specialized care as their condition progresses.
Memory care communities provide a structured environment specifically designed for individuals with dementia.
These communities offer:
- Personalized care for each resident, focusing on their unique needs.
- Skilled staff trained to manage challenging behaviors, such as sundowning.
- Engagement in daily activities to maintain cognitive abilities and provide emotional support.
- Secure environments with walking paths and areas designed to prevent wandering.
If your loved one’s dementia and confusion seem to be worsening, or you find it increasingly difficult to manage their care at home, memory care may be the best option for both of you.
Memory Care at Chisholm Trail Estates
At Chisholm Trail Estates, our memory care community in Keene, TX, offers a specialized program designed to provide comfort and structure for people with dementia.
Our Connections memory care program is built on evidence-based therapies that focus on three main principles:
Our program includes:
- Therapeutic activities tailored to the needs and abilities of each resident, promoting mental stimulation and physical well-being
- Daily exercise to encourage physical health and reduce restlessness
- Learning opportunities through engaging activities designed to maintain cognitive function and encourage social interaction
- Dementia-friendly apartments maintained by our team, as well as meals and transportation
We’ve created a home-like atmosphere where residents feel supported while offering families peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving compassionate care.
Find Relief at Chisholm Trail Estates
If you’re struggling to manage sundowning and other dementia-related behaviors, we’re here to help. At Chisholm Trail Estates, our team is dedicated to improving the quality of life for your loved one and providing the support you need as a caregiver.
To learn more about our memory care program and see how we can help, schedule a tour today. Let us provide the care and comfort your family deserves.
