Sundowning is a common phenomenon among seniors with dementia, characterized by increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness during late afternoons and evenings. If you're an adult child or relative caring for your loved one with dementia, you may find addressing and managing sundowning challenging. But dealing with the complexities of sundowning will improve your senior loved one's well-being and your peace of mind.
In this blog post, we'll explore the causes of sundowning and provide research-backed strategies to help you create a calming and supportive environment at home. We'll also share tips from health professionals to ensure you're fostering dignity and independence in your senior relative, making their twilight years as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.
Causes of Sundowning in Seniors with Dementia
Disruption of the internal body clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, regulates our sleep-wake cycle. In seniors with dementia, this rhythm may become disrupted, leading to increased confusion and agitation during the evening.
Environmental changes in lighting or increased noise during the evening may also contribute to anxiety and restlessness in individuals with dementia.
Additionally, fatigue or overstimulation throughout the day may also exacerbate sundowning symptoms, making it more difficult for seniors to unwind in the evening.
Strategies for Addressing Sundowning at Home
The following strategies will help you manage sundowning and create a supportive environment for seniors with dementia:
- Maintaining a consistent daily routine: Establish regular meal times, sleep schedules, and activities to help regulate your loved one's internal body clock. And incorporate enjoyable activities into their daily routine to promote relaxation and engagement.
- Creating a calm and soothing environment: Minimize noise and clutter in your loved one's living space. Adjust lighting to ensure minimal shadows, and consider using soft, warm lighting to promote a sense of relaxation.
- Encouraging physical activity and exposure to natural light: Regular exercise, and spending time outdoors can help regulate the body clock and reduce sundowning symptoms. Aim to incorporate physical activities into your relative's daily routine, such as walking or gardening.
- Minimizing triggers for agitation and restlessness: Identify and avoid specific triggers that cause turmoil in your loved one. When agitation occurs, calmly redirect their attention to a different activity or provide reassurance to help them feel safe and calm.
Supporting Dignity and Independence in Seniors With Dementia
To foster a sense of dignity and independence in your loved one, consider the following tips:
- Encourage participation in daily tasks and decision-making: Include your loved one in simple daily tasks, such as setting the table or choosing what to wear. Involving them in simple tasks helps them feel involved and maintain their autonomy.
- Provide appropriate assistance without undermining their autonomy: Offer support while allowing them to complete tasks independently when possible. Offer encouragement when needed.
- Communicate effectively and empathetically: Use clear and straightforward language when speaking with your loved one, and listen actively to their concerns. Remain emotionally supportive and understanding, even when they're experiencing symptoms of sundowning.
Get Help from Health Professionals
Discuss medication management and non-pharmacological intervention options with your healthcare provider, and consider non-pharmacological approaches, such as music therapy, aromatherapy, or pet therapy.
Recognize when additional support becomes necessary. If your loved one's sundowning symptoms become more severe or challenging, seek extra help from specialized care providers.
We're Here to Help
Managing sundowning in seniors with dementia is essential for their well-being and your peace of mind. By implementing these research-backed strategies and seeking professional support, you can create a calming and supportive environment that fosters dignity and independence in your loved one.
If you live in South Bend, Elkhart, Goshen, or Mishawaka, IN, and need assistance caring for a senior relative experiencing sundowning, contact Senior Helpers South Bend for compassionate, specialized care tailored to your loved one's needs.