Tips for Dealing with Sundowning

Sunset can be a time of increased confusion and agitation for seniors experiencing sundowner’s syndrome. If you’re providing dementia care for a loved one in Deland, FL, it’s important to know what factors can contribute to sundowning and how you can help. 

While the cause of sundowning is still unknown, it most commonly affects people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Symptoms typically occur between late afternoon and late evening. They can include visual hallucinations, trouble thinking or speaking clearly, insomnia, wandering, and paranoia. 

The first step to helping a loved one with dementia is talking to their physician. Medications, physical ailments, and daily habits can all contribute to sleep issues. It’s also helpful to establish a regular routine for waking, eating, activities, and sleeping to help your loved one feel safe. 

Other helpful tips for managing the symptoms of sundowning include:

• Use light therapy lamps in the home to simulate daylight in the early afternoon and evening. 
• Close blinds and shades to eliminate shadows, which can be confusing.
• Avoid substances known to affect sleep patterns, including caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and tobacco.
• As evening approaches, adjust the mood in the home by playing relaxing music and changing activities from stimulating to calming.

Even after implementing changes, your loved one may still have restless nights or wake up confused and upset. When this happens, stay calm and avoid arguing. Offer gentle assurance that everything is alright, remind them of the time, and allow them to pace or go for a walk with supervision.

About Visiting Angels Deland

Looking for a local dementia care provider you can trust? Call on the professionals at Visiting Angels^® Deland. Locally owned and operated, we help seniors find professional dementia care services that fit their specific needs, schedule, and preferences without the usual stress of finding and vetting caregivers. We offer free consultations and make it easy to connect with professional caregivers in your area.

Our referral services are available to seniors in Deland, Longwood, Winter Springs, Orange City, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Forest City, Sanford, Wekiva Springs, and the surrounding areas. 

Dementia Care Services Available in Deland

Caregivers in the Visiting Angels Deland network offer a wide range of services that can help your loved one live at home safely, including:

• Specialized memory care
• Wandering prevention
• Comforting companionship
• Medication reminders
• Mobility assistance
• Help with bathing, toileting, and dressing
• Organizing, cooking, and light housekeeping
• Daily monitoring
• Overnight, weekend, and holiday care
• Hourly care
• Respite care

Want to learn more about dementia care and how it can help your loved one age in place safely? Call Visiting Angels Deland today and schedule a free in-home consultation.