How Alzheimer’s Care from Visiting Angels Central Coast Helps Seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties Manage Sundowner’s Syndrome

Learn how our Alzheimer’s care services help seniors in Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Marina and surrounding areas in California manage symptoms of Sundowner’s Syndrome, one of the most common complications of seniors living with Alzheimer’s

Having a senior loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenge for the entire family. According to Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by memory loss, confusion and disorientation, and difficulty communicating, reasoning, and handling complex tasks.

Alzheimer’s can cause different symptoms at different times of the day. Sundowner’s syndrome, which occurs in the evening, can be very difficult to manage. Visiting Angels Central Coast can help. We provide in-home Alzheimer’s care which includes behavior modification to help manage bouts with Sundowner’s Syndrome.

What is Sundowner’s Syndrome?

Sundowner’s Syndrome is also known as sundown syndrome or sundowning. It is a change in behavior, temperament, or personality that occurs in the late afternoon or early evening. According to WebMD, one out of five people with Alzheimer’s disease suffers from Sundowner’s Syndrome.

Doctors are unsure what causes sundowning behavior. Some possible causes could be sensory stimulation overload, a hormone imbalance which affects the sleep-wake cycle, anxiety or fatigue.

Some behaviors and emotions that may arise during an episode of sundowning include:

• Anger
• Agitation or restlessness
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Depression
• Fear
• Stubbornness
• Rocking
• Delusions, hallucinations
• Hiding things
• Paranoia
• Violence
• Insomnia
• Yelling, screaming or crying
• Shadowing
• Wandering or pacing

These behaviors can become progressively worse and can range from a short time to the entire night.

How Can Alzheimer’s Care from Visiting Angels Central Coast Help My Loved One?

When you choose Visiting Angels Central Coast for Alzheimer’s home care services, our caregivers will work with your loved one to manage symptoms related to sundowning. As one of the leading Alzheimer’s care providers in the Central Coast region, we understand that flexibility and empathy are essential to help seniors living with Sundowner’s Syndrome feel at ease.

Here’s how we can help:

• Notice triggers. What events or activities cause their behavior to change? Does the evening news agitate your loved one? Is the late afternoon busy with activity in your home? Interruptions to the daily routine and nutrition can cause poor behavior. Our caregivers can help your loved one stick to routines and limit caffeine, sugar and alcohol by helping with planning and preparing meals.
• Use distractions. Our caregivers can help your loved one enjoy activities, music or television to calm and soothe them. This can help divert their attention from troubling thoughts and comfort them with the familiar things they love.
• Increase lighting. Our caregivers can let in more natural light and turn on additional lights if needed at night. The use of lighting in the room will reduce evening shadows and maintain the daytime glow until it is time for bed.
• Darken their sleep environment. We can help make sure their bedroom is welcoming and serene. Light-blocking curtains can create a cocoon-like setting that encourages a restful night’s sleep.
• Consult their doctor. If our caregivers notice your loved one’s symptoms are getting difficult to manage, we will alert you and may recommend speaking to their doctor. Some doctors recommend anti-anxiety medication, anti-depressants, or over-the-counter vitamin supplements. Use caution; the doctor should confirm there is no interaction with prescribed medications.

Finally, understand that when it comes to Alzheimer’s care and sundown syndrome, every person is different. That’s why at Visiting Angels Central Coast, we personalize care plans for each and every senior in our care. Our caregivers will work with you to determine the best solutions for your senior loved one so they can continue living out their golden years at home.

For more information on Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels Central Coast, contact our Scotts Valley or Marina office today.