How to Help Seniors Enjoy the Spring Season
March 28, 2022Is There a Difference Between Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living?
May 19, 2022Patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may often experience what is known as sundowning, sometimes referred to as late-day confusion. If someone you care for has been diagnosed with dementia, you have probably witnessed sundowning in the latter part of the day, especially in those who are at a more advanced stage of the disease.
It is well known that agitation and confusion are side effects of all forms of dementia. Sundowning causes these symptoms to get worse later in the afternoon or early evening compared to the extent these symptoms occur earlier in the day. It is not only scary for the patient, it can be very stressful and heartbreaking to witness for those who love them.
Unfortunately, the exact causes of sundowning aren’t fully known, so currently it is not possible to prevent it completely. There are several ways to help reduce the extremity of symptoms, and we’ve listed some helpful ones to try below.
Track Behavior
One of the most important steps, and probably the first one to take, is to track their behaviors and keep written documentation of the situations that cause and/or time of day symptoms emerge. Sundowning triggers are different for each person so be aware of which environments or activities seem to make their symptoms worse.
Once you better understand what their triggers are, avoiding situations that increase confusion and agitation can be avoided.
Create a Schedule and Stick To It
The saying goes that there is security in familiarity. Unfortunately, dementia can make it difficult for patients to remember or develop routines. Participating in unfamiliar activities or being placed in an unfamiliar environment can result in behaviors like confusion, disorientation, stress, anger, and unfortunately, sometimes even violence. Studies have shown that these feelings of unfamiliarity play a major role in sundowning.
Try to create a routine that centers around doing the same activities on a regular schedule. For example, have them get up, eat, bathe, and go to bed at the same time every day. This helps to minimize the chances of confusion and helps to keep your loved one calm.
If changes need to be made to this routine for any reason, try to incorporate those changes as gradually as possible.
Take Care of Important Activities in the Morning
Dementia patients are the clearest and most alert in the earlier part of the day. Since sundowning symptoms occur in the afternoon or evening, it is best to schedule appointments, outings, visits, or any other stimulating activity for the morning hours.
Light Up Their Environment
Disruption in the circadian rhythm, the body’s time clock for controlling the sleep-wake cycle, is thought to be one of the major causes of sundowning. This is why it is important to adjust and control lighting in a dementia patient’s environment to help reduce symptoms.
Numerous studies have shown that light therapy can help reduce the confusion and agitation associated with sundowning in dementia patients. Consider placing a full-spectrum fluorescent light about 3 feet from the patient for a few hours each morning.
On the other hand, it is just as important to control the environmental lighting at bed time. Lighting should be kept as low as safely possible, and any other sources of light, like a television, should be turned off.
Conclusion
Sundowning can be overwhelming and exhausting for both the dementia patient and those who love them. Elderberry Healthcare has served the needs of Madison County and the surrounding communities’ senior population since 1989. Many families in Madison County have experienced the compassionate care and attentiveness that our staff provides.
We offer a comprehensive range of services for residents needing assisted living or skilled nursing care. We are committed to helping our residents and families understand care options and services.
At Elderberry, our goal is to provide personalized care to every resident, treating each person as we would treat our own loved ones. Our highly skilled professional staff provides compassionate care 24 hours a day, providing families with peace of mind that their loved one is safe and cared for. Contact us today to learn more.