Sundowning, also known as sundown syndrome, is a term used to describe a state of increased confusion and agitation that typically occurs in the late afternoon and evening. It is most commonly observed in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
~Symptoms of Sundowning
People experiencing sundowning may exhibit a variety of behaviors, including:
- Increased confusion and disorientation
- Agitation and irritability
- Pacing or wandering
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
~Causes and Triggers
While the exact cause of sundowning is not fully understood, there are several factors that may contribute to it:
- Changes in the brain due to dementia
- Fatigue and exhaustion from the day’s activities
- Disruption of the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythms)
- Low lighting and increased shadows, which can cause confusion
- Hunger or thirst
- Pain or discomfort
~Management Strategies
Managing sundowning involves creating a calm and structured environment. Here are some tips that may help:
- Maintain a regular routine: Consistent daily schedules can help reduce confusion.
- Increase exposure to natural light: Spending time outside during the day can help regulate sleep-wake cycles.
- Create a calming evening environment: Reduce noise and distractions, and keep the home well-lit in the evening.
- Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality.
- Monitor diet: Avoid caffeine and large meals late in the day.
- Provide reassurance: Gentle reminders and a comforting presence can help ease anxiety.
Home Care Plus is an in-home elder care and support service whose goal is to help elderly clients live life as fully and safely as possible in the comfort of their own homes. We offer a wide range of services to meet a variety of needs. Our mission is to provide quality supportive services and care coordination to our clients to assist them in leading dignified and independent lifestyles in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
We provide a comprehensive ongoing needs assessment by a Registered Nurse identifying an individual’s and his/her support system’s strengths, weaknesses, limitations, objectives and service needs. With the focus on health, psychosocial and environmental factors we develop an individualized plan of care based on the needs assessed. The plan of care is tailored to fit changing needs and thoroughly reviewed with the client, family members and/or responsible parties.
We provide a comprehensive ongoing needs assessment by a Registered Nurse identifying an individual’s and his/her support system’s strengths, weaknesses, limitations, objectives and service needs. With the focus on health, psychosocial and environmental factors we develop an individualized plan of care based on the needs assessed. The plan of care is tailored to fit changing needs and thoroughly reviewed with the client, family members and/or responsible parties.
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