As the sun starts to set, many of us can relax after a long day and plan for a restful evening to unwind – unless of course you are providing care for a person with dementia. Sundowning behaviors, or sundown syndrome, is a frequent occurrence in Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and can result in restless, sleepless nights of anxiety, disorientation, confusion, and agitation – for a few hours as the sun sets, or even for the whole night. Contact us online or call us at 618-667-8400 to learn more about how we can help with in home care services.
The actual cause behind sundowning behaviors isn’t fully understood, but contributing factors can include:
Try these suggestions to help prevent or minimize sundowning behavior:
If, in spite of these tactics, your loved one is still agitated and is staying awake during the nighttime hours, there are several things you can do to help. First, remain calm and steer clear of arguing or getting into lengthy conversations. Simply provide reassurance that the senior is safe and everything is okay. See if there is anything the individual needs, and after responding to any specific concerns, gently remind the senior of the time, and encourage getting some rest. The senior may also feel much more comfortable in an alternate sleeping environment, such as in a favorite chair or guest bedroom, utilizing nightlights or other soft, indirect lighting.
The trained and experienced providers of dementia care and home health services in Belleville, IL, at Morning Glory Home Care offer a great solution to sundowning or any other challenging behaviors. We’re available to take the night shift and help older adults participate in calming and enjoyable activities when sleep eludes them, allowing family caregivers the chance to get the rest they need. We even offer around-the-clock, live-in care to ensure older adults are safe and well cared for any time of day.
Reach out to the experts in dementia home health services in Belleville, IL, and the surrounding areas at 618-667-8400 any time and let us develop a customized plan of care to meet your specific needs, and improve quality of life for a senior you love.
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