If you’re providing dementia care to a senior, you may notice that their confusion, restlessness and agitation may get worse in the late afternoon and evening. This is what doctors refer to as “Sundowning” or “late-day confusion.”
A possible cause of sundowning is that people with Alzheimer’s disease may experience disturbed sleep-wake cycles because of changes in their brain chemistry caused by the disease.
Some other possible causes may include fatigue, depression, unmet needs such as hunger or thirst, pain, and boredom.
In order to help a person suffering from sundowning, our reliable staff in our private in-home care in Georgia, suggests the following tips:
- Reduce the amount of distractions, such as noise, clutter, and the number of individuals present.
- Make an effort to divert the person’s attention with a favorite snack, item, or pastime.
- Quiet time should be reserved for the early hours of the evening. Play relaxing music, read a book, or take a stroll to relax. Having a friend or family member call during this time is another option.
- At sunset, ask the CNA to draw the curtains or close the blinds to reduce the amount of shadows and the resulting confusion. Turn on the lights to assist reduce the amount of shadows that are cast.
If you’re unable to handle these sundowning conditions by yourself, you may benefit from our home care in Columbus, Georgia.
At CAREvity LLC Private In-Home Supportive Care, we specialize in delivering expert and constant care to help your loved ones achieve the optimum wellness they deserve.
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