Caring for a senior family member with Alzheimer's is a challenging and emotional journey, especially when facing episodes of sundowning. If you're on the fence about hiring a caregiver for your loved one, we're here to help you understand the specific ways a professional caregiver can assist with sundowning and other Alzheimer's symptoms. Here's an article to help you better understand sundowning and how a caregiver can make a positive impact on seniors living with Alzheimer's.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning, also known as sundown syndrome, refers to a set of Alzheimer's and dementia symptoms that tend to occur in the late afternoon or evening. These symptoms include increased agitation, confusion, anxiety, and restlessness.
The specific causes of sundowning are not yet fully understood, but factors such as changes in light, fatigue, and disrupted internal body clocks might contribute to it. Sundowning can be incredibly distressing for both seniors and their families, making it essential to find effective ways to manage and reduce its impact.
6 Things a Caregiver Can Do to Help With Sundowning Symptoms
1. Establish a Consistent Daily Routine
Routines play an important role in helping seniors with Alzheimer's feel secure and maintain their cognitive function. A caregiver can work with the family to develop a daily schedule that includes regular meal times, activities, and sleep patterns. By maintaining consistency, a caregiver helps reduce the likelihood of sundowning episodes and increases the overall quality of life for the senior.
2. Provide a Calm and Soothing Environment
Creating a peaceful and comforting atmosphere can help minimize the impact of sundowning episodes. Caregivers are trained to identify potential stressors and create a relaxing environment by controlling noise levels, ensuring appropriate lighting, and playing soft music. This approach can help soothe agitation and reduce the duration of sundowning episodes.
3. Offer Reassurance and Comfort During Episodes
As seniors with Alzheimer's experience increased confusion and anxiety during sundowning, they require emotional support and understanding. Caregivers can offer reassurance and comfort by speaking in a calm tone, maintaining eye contact, and using gentle touch when appropriate. This emotional support helps the senior feel less overwhelmed and can alleviate some of the distress experienced by the family.
4. Assist With Tasks and Activities That May Trigger Sundowning
Certain activities or tasks can contribute to the onset of sundowning episodes, such as overstimulation or a lack of physical activity during the day. A caregiver can help by having seniors do easy activities, ensuring they take breaks when needed, and encouraging physical exercise as approved by the client's physician. By managing and adjusting these tasks, a caregiver can help prevent or reduce the severity of sundowning episodes.
5. Monitor and Manage Medications
Proper medication management is vital for seniors with Alzheimer's, as incorrect dosages or missed medications may exacerbate sundowning symptoms. A caregiver can ensure that the senior take their prescribed medications on time and in the correct dosage, potentially minimizing the impact of sundowning episodes.
6. Provide Respite for Family Caregivers
A professional caregiver can provide much-needed respite for family caregivers, allowing them to rest, recharge, and maintain their own emotional well-being while knowing their loved one is in capable hands.
Rely on Us for Help
Hiring a caregiver for a senior family member with Alzheimer's can be incredibly beneficial, particularly in managing sundowning episodes and improving the overall quality of life for both seniors and their families. If you live in Geneva, Aurora, Plainfield, or Oswego, IL, and are considering hiring a caregiver for your senior family member with Alzheimer's, contact us at Senior Helpers Aurora-Geneva for more information on how we can help.