If someone you’re providing senior care for has dementia, 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 caregivers providing non-medical home care in Phoenix, Arizona, suggests the following tips:
- Reduce the number 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, draw the curtains or close the blinds to reduce the number of shadows and the resulting confusion.
If you’re unable to handle these sundowning syndromes your loved one exhibit, you may benefit from the services of our home care agency in Arizona.
At Phoenician Home Care, we specialize in delivering expert senior care in Glendale, Arizona to help your loved ones achieve the optimum wellness they deserve.