How to Handle Sundowning Issues
Sunset, for most people, is the end of the day and time to relax and unwind. But for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, sunset is a time of confusion, agitation, memory loss, and even anger. If you're the family member who's caring for a loved one with dementia, this time of day can fill you with a feeling of dread.
What triggers sundowning?
There are several factors which can contribute to the symptoms of sundowning. Being that the winter season is in effect in most of the country, the shorter length of days can increase the effects of sundowning. Plus, if your loved one has had too much end of the day activity or even too much company, they can feel overwhelmed and start the sundowning symptoms. Another factor can be low light within the home because the quality of light diminishes. This can make seeing a challenge for someone who is already having difficulty seeing and make shadows seem to be something that they’re not.
Too, if your loved one is overly fatigued or a lack of activity after eating dinner can contribute. Plus, if your loved one’s internal clock is off balance by sleep disruptions or a hormone imbalance, then that can cause the sundowning to kick in.
How to manage the symptoms of sundowning
The issue is that there isn't just one set of treatment for sundowning. It’s more of focusing on the individual and seeing what is triggering the episodes. There are several ideas which can help you manage your loved one's sundowning behavior. These tips are listed below:
- Have a routine: A person who has sundowners feel safer with a routine. There aren't any surprises in a routine, and it gets them into a daily rhythm. If you loved one doesn't have a routine, then they could stay in a constant state of confusion and anxiety. Because they have limited cognitive abilities, it makes it difficult for them to deal with unpredictability. So, in the morning, schedule any activity which is more vigorous and not more than two significant activities during the day.
- Diet: When preparing meals and snacks for your loved one, see if any pattern changes are linked to certain foods. Don't give food or drinks which have caffeine or sugar in them late in the day.
- Noise: In the afternoon and early evening, start to lower the noise level in your home. Ask visitors not to come in the evening hours and any activities which you or other family members are doing, try not to do within hearing distance of your loved one’s bedroom.
- More light: Investing in a full-spectrum light box has been found to reduce the effects of both sundowning and depression. Keep the rooms in your home well-lit as evening approached so shadows don't shift and there isn’t a loss of color. Also, adding night lights to rooms will help reduce your loved one’s stress if they have to get up during the night.
Other information on sundowning
As sundowning progresses, it becomes more severe. Your loved one can hallucinate, start hiding things, start to wander, become paranoia, or even violent. Wandering can be especially troublesome as well as frustrating. If your loved one escapes from the home, they can be found wandering the streets utterly unaware of where they are. Keeping an ID bracelet on your family member is a good idea, as well as locking doors and windows.
The other important fact to remember is to take care of yourself as well. With a person who is sundowning, it can be difficult for the caregiver to get a good night's sleep. Right at Home Smithtown is an in-home caregiver agency which has bonded and insured caregivers who can provide respite care when you need a break. We can provide respite care, as one example, to make sure you're getting the rest you need so you can give the best care for your loved one.
