Caring for a loved one in Reno, NV with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be a real game-changer for the entire family. Sundowning, or “late-day confusion,” is one of the many unusual behaviors family caregivers may encounter when caring for individuals with dementia. Sundowning refers to the onset or worsening of symptoms such as confusion, agitation, and anxiety in the late afternoon or early evening.
Read on to learn more about sundowning and how it affects individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as management tips and strategies for family caregivers when assisting loved ones who exhibit sundowning behaviors.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning is a common phenomenon experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The emergence of disruptive behaviors such as agitation, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings in the late afternoon or evening characterizes it. Sundowning symptoms can continue into the night, making it challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to fall asleep or stay in bed.
While the exact cause of sundowning is not fully understood, researchers believe that a combination of factors, including disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle, hormonal imbalances, and environmental triggers, may contribute to its onset.
These factors can exacerbate sundowning symptoms and behaviors:
- Fatigue
- Spending the day in an unfamiliar place
- Low lighting
- Increased shadows
- Disruption of the body’s “internal clock”
- Trouble separating reality from dreams
- Being hungry or thirsty
- Presence of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Being bored or in pain
- Depression
How Does Sundowning Affect Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
Persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia may experience these sundowning behaviors, making it exceedingly challenging for loved ones to provide them with the care and support they need:
- Agitation: Individuals experiencing sundowning may exhibit increased restlessness, pacing, and agitation during the late afternoon or evening hours.
- Confusion: Sundowning can cause individuals to become disoriented, forgetful, and unable to recognize familiar people or surroundings.
- Anxiety: Individuals may experience heightened feelings of anxiety, fear, or paranoia during the late afternoon or evening, leading to increased emotional distress.
- Aggression: Sundowning can sometimes manifest as aggressive behaviors, such as yelling, hitting, or threatening others, due to heightened agitation and confusion.
- Wandering: Individuals may exhibit an increased tendency to wander or try to leave the house during the late afternoon or evening, putting themselves at risk of harm.
Sundowning Management Tips for Family Caregivers in Reno, NV
Thankfully, helping your loved one manage their sundowning symptoms and behaviors is possible by taking these steps:
Establish a Routine
Initiate a consistent daily routine for your loved one, including regular mealtimes, bedtime, and activities, to help regulate their sleep-wake cycle and minimize sundowning symptoms. Place their medications beside their mealtime beverage to enhance medication adherence and minimize confusion.
Provide a Calming Environment
Create a peaceful and soothing environment in the evening by dimming lights, playing soft music, and minimizing noise to help reduce agitation and anxiety. When speaking with your loved one, be patient and use short sentences, gestures, and body language to add meaning.
Encourage Physical Activity
Engage your loved one in physical exercise or fun activities during the day to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and reduce sundowning symptoms.
Limit Stimulants
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals in the evening, as these can exacerbate symptoms of sundowning and disrupt sleep patterns.
Stay Connected
While minimizing distractions, maintain open communication with your loved one and provide reassurance and emotional support during sundowning episodes to help them feel safe and secure.
Professional Home Care: Sundowning Assistance When You Need It Most
While caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is highly gratifying, it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Hiring a professional caregiver from a reputable home care provider will allow you to take a well-deserved break without compromising your loved one’s care. Families that take advantage of professional Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers reap these benefits as a result:
Respite Care
Enlisting the help of professional caregivers allows tired family caregivers to take a break, empowering them to rest and recharge with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in capable hands.
Medication Supervision
Professional caregivers can assist with medication reminders and refills to help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia stay on track with their treatment plans, minimizing the risk of dementia-related symptoms.
Cognitive Stimulation
In-home caregivers can engage individuals in stimulating activities, such as puzzles, games, or reminiscence therapy, to promote cognitive function and provide mental stimulation, which may help reduce sundowning behaviors.
Behavioral Therapy
Home care professionals can provide behavioral therapy, such as redirection, validation, and relaxation techniques, to help clients cope with sundowning symptoms and manage challenging behaviors effectively.
Environmental Modifications
Caregivers can recommend ways to modify the home environment, such as installing safety locks, removing trip hazards, and ensuring adequate lighting to create a safe and comfortable space for clients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and further reduce triggers for sundowning behaviors.
Final Thoughts About Understanding Sundowning: Tips for Caregivers
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and managing sundowning symptoms can be a daunting task for family caregivers. Understanding what sundowning is and implementing these practical tips and strategies empowers family caregivers to help loved ones receive the nurturing they deserve. When needed, professional in-home caregivers can provide valuable support and assistance in managing dementia-related symptoms and behaviors, allowing family caregivers to rest and recharge with peace of mind.
Through compassion, patience, and dedication, family caregivers can navigate sundowning challenges and provide the best possible care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, empowering them to lead more active and fulfilling lives!
Dignified In-Home Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care for Families in Reno, NV
Caring for a loved one who experiences sundowning can sometimes be overwhelming. When you need assistance, contact Lend A Hand Home Care in Reno, NV. As a fully licensed and accredited home care provider, our compassionate caregivers can step in and serve as an extended family in the home, giving you time to rest and recharge. We offer a comprehensive lineup of in-home services tailored to your loved one’s unique needs, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, Care Assistance and Supervision, Companionship, Light Housekeeping, 24/7 Hourly Care, Meal Preparation, Medication Supervision, and Respite Care.
While assisting clients in Reno, NV, Sparks, Verdi, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, Lawton, Hidden Valley, Carson City, Fernley, and Incline Village, our agency’s focus is maintaining their quality of life, dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our home care services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit www.lendahandhomecare.com to learn more about Lend A Hand Home Care and how our flexible Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care services support families in the communities we serve.
