Tips for Dealing with Sundowning

Living with dementia can be challenging. Not only can it affect memory and personality, but also the ability to reason. People with dementia may also experience increased anxiety and paranoia at dusk, known as sundowning, making it hard for them to wind down and sleep. If you’re providing dementia care for a loved one in Altamonte Springs, FL, here are three tips for managing sleep issues and sundowning.

1. Keep to a routine.
   Have regular waking and sleeping times and schedule activities in the morning and early afternoon when your loved one may be more alert. 
2. Limit substances that can inhibit sleep. 
   Avoid alcohol and tobacco, which are known to affect sleep. Sugary foods can also lead to restlessness and should be limited, especially in the evening.  
3. Look for triggers. 
   Take note of your loved one’s behavior, environment, and diet before a sundowning event to identify triggers and make adjustments.

Visiting Angels Sanford Offers Dementia Care Referrals You Can Trust

When it’s time to introduce a caregiver into your loved one’s daily routine, you want someone you can trust. It’s also essential to find someone compatible with their needs, personality, and schedule. However, finding the right caregiver can be time-consuming, especially when you have an immediate need for care. 

That’s where Visiting Angels^® Sanford can help. As a locally owned and operated nurse registry, we connect seniors with professional, compassionate caregivers in their area with the experience and credentials they are looking for. 

We’ll assess your loved one’s physical and emotional needs and review their daily schedules. We’ll also inquire about their favorite TV shows, hobbies, and pastimes and discuss the logistics of dementia care. 

With a clear understanding of your loved one’s circumstances and preferences, we’ll provide you with a list of compatible caregivers in the Altamonte Springs area to choose from. If you ever want to change caregivers, let us know, and we’ll be happy to make additional suggestions.

Dementia care referrals from Visiting Angels Sanford are available in Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Winter Springs, Sanford, Orange City, Deland, Oviedo, Apopka, Casselberry, Forest City, Wekiva Springs, and the surrounding areas.

Dementia Care Services Available in Altamonte Springs

Caregivers in the Visiting Angels Sanford referral network can provide a wide range of essential services, including:

• Medication reminders
• Help running errands and shopping
• Wandering prevention
• Comforting companionship 
• Respite care 
• Transportation to appointments
• Mobility assistance
• Light housekeeping and cooking

Ready to learn more about your dementia care options in Altamonte Springs? Call Visiting Angels Sanford today to schedule a free in-home consultation.