How Companion Care from Visiting Angels of Gilford, NH Can Prevent Anxiety at Night
Anxiety before bed may become common for your loved one as they age, and you cannot always be there to help them through it. The problem is that while you are away, your loved one may be feeling the symptoms of sundowning. This may be a sign of early onset Alzheimer’s or dementia, so it is important that you do not wait to get help from a companion care agency.
Knowing the Symptoms of Sundowning
Your loved one may experience sundowning before bed, which is the change in behavior or mood when the sun sets. Symptoms of sundowning can include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Anger
- Confusion
- Pacing
There are several triggers for sundowning, such as:
- Darkness
- Discomfort
- Hunger
- Boredom
If this sounds like your loved one, home care from Visiting Angels of Gilford might be a helpful resource for you. One of our experienced in home caregivers can keep a watchful eye on your loved one before bed or stay overnight to monitor their behavior. It is better to get ahead of the issue now so you can prevent anxiety in the future.
Creating a Comfortable Home
If you opt for companion care, a specialized caregiver will come in and create a comfortable environment for your loved one to live in. This will help reduce anxiety and give your senior a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment for them to live in.
Anger and agitation are to be expected with sundowning. In order to calm your loved one down when this does happen, show them familiar things, such as family photos. Having an experienced caregiver on standby allows this approach to be taken even when you are not around.
Committing to a Healthier Diet
Because hunger is a major cause for sundowning, the symptoms may indicate a need for food. The best thing your loved one can do is commit to a healthier diet. A companion care aide from Visiting Angels of Gilford can prepare meals and buy groceries for your loved one to ensure that they are receiving proper nutrition.
Developing Nightly Routines
Your loved one’s sleep cycle may be inconsistent due to sundowning. Because unhealthy sleep habits can cause more anxiety and unwelcome symptoms, it is a good idea to try and break those habits. Visiting Angels of Gilford can assist your loved one in developing nightly routines so that they can sleep better.
Still Need Help?
Do not let the thought of your loved one experiencing the symptoms of sundowning keep you up at night. Enlist the help of our senior care services so that you can stop losing sleep over the situation.
Call Visiting Angels of Gilford to learn more about our companion care and how we can help your loved one feel safe and comfortable in their own home.