Dementia Care in East and South San Diego County

What is Sundowning?

If you have a family member who's been diagnosed with dementia, it may be a stressful time for the whole family. Whether you're setting up dementia care services or trying to learn as much as possible about the memory disorder, it can be overwhelming. For families in East and South San Diego County, Visiting Angels^® El Cajon is here to help. 

In addition to comprehensive care services, we can answer your questions, offer advice, and let you know what to expect. Let's take a look at one common effect of dementia: sundowning. 

What To Know About Sundowning 

For those with dementia or Alzheimer's, "sundowning" often appears in the mid-stages or advanced stages. This term refers to increased bouts of confusion, agitation, outbursts, or anxiety, and coincides with dusk and evening times. Here's what you should know about sundowning:  

• The cause is unknown. While this effect is widely documented, the exact cause is unknown. It's generally agreed that this state of confusion is closely associated with the effects of dementia or Alzheimer's. It's always worth consulting with your loved one's doctor, who may want to assess your loved one or prescribe medication to help them cope. 
• It can manifest in different ways. Sundowning might look different depending on the day, but it can often result in pacing, wandering, disorientation, or confusion. Those who are sundowning are more likely to have angry or anxious outbursts, and are more likely to be agitated. 
• Certain factors may affect sundowning. Some factors may aggravate an episode of sundowning. These factors may include exhaustion or fatigue, boredom, hunger, pain, low-light conditions, or ambient stress. It's worth keeping track of these, if possible. This can help you understand how to minimize the effects of sundowning. 
• We can help you manage sundowning. With professional dementia care, families in East and South San Diego County can further manage any sundowning. Our compassionate caregivers can alleviate the symptoms of sundowning, help to build a sense of routine, and otherwise make it easier to manage. 

Trusted Dementia Care For East and South San Diego County 

With Visiting Angels El Cajon, you can schedule dementia care whenever needed. We help seniors with dementia and their families cope a little more easily, offering flexible, empathetic support in: 

• East and South San Diego County
• Jamacha
• El Cajon
• Bostonia
• Alpine
• Lakeside
• Bostonia
• And throughout the surrounding area

Do you need dementia care in East and South San Diego County? Call Visiting Angels El Cajon to speak to our trusted care team today.