Sundowning is a phenomenon that many seniors with Alzheimer's experience, where their confusion and agitation tend to increase during the late afternoon and evening hours. While dealing with sundowning can be challenging, its potential effects on a caregiver's evening routine are often overlooked. As a caregiver, it's important to understand how sundowning may interrupt bedtime routines for young children, make the transition to or from work more chaotic, and limit your personal time in the evening. This post will help you implement a few strategies for managing the impact of sundowning on your daily life.
Interrupting Bedtime Routines
One of the most significant ways that sundowning can impact a caregiver's evening routine is by interrupting the bedtime routines of young children in the household. Seniors experiencing sundowning may be visibly upset, agitated, and confused about the time and what is going on. They may also exhibit restlessness. This can disrupt the calm and quiet environment that young children need to wind down and prepare for sleep. As a result, children may have difficulty falling asleep or experience interrupted rest, which can affect their mood, behavior, and overall well-being.
How to Help
To help minimize disruptions to children's bedtime routines, consider creating a separate, soothing space for seniors with Alzheimer's to spend their evenings. This can involve dimming the lights, playing soft music, or engaging in calming activities like reading or puzzles. By separating the senior's evening routine from the rest of the household, you help to maintain a more peaceful environment for both the senior and the young children.
Adding Chaos to Home Life
Another way sundowning may affect a caregiver's evening routine is by making the transition to or from work more chaotic. Caregivers who work outside the home often experience added stress as they attempt to balance their work responsibilities with the needs of their loved ones. Sundowning episodes can be particularly challenging during these times, as caregivers may be rushing to get ready for work or arriving home after a long day. The additional stress brought on by these episodes can impact a caregiver's job performance, relationships, and overall well-being.
How to Help
To make work transitions smoother, consider preparing for the evening ahead of time, such as setting out clothes and preparing meals in advance. Additionally, having a designated support network, such as friends, neighbors, or other family members, who can step in to help during sundowning episodes can be invaluable in reducing stress and ensuring both the caregiver and the senior with Alzheimer's receive the support they need.
Leaving Less Time for Self-care
Lastly, sundowning may affect a caregiver's evening routine by leaving them less time for self-care. Caregivers often sacrifice their personal time to tend to their loved ones, leading to caregiver burnout and negatively affecting their mental and physical health. Sundowning can further limit the amount of time available for personal care, making it essential that caregivers find ways to prioritize their well-being.
How to Help
One solution to consider is hiring a professional caregiver to assist with evening routines. Professional caregivers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage sundowning episodes effectively and can provide valuable support for both seniors with Alzheimer's and their family caregivers. Hiring a caregiver can help alleviate some of the responsibilities and stress that come with managing sundowning, allowing family caregivers more time to focus on their own self-care and personal needs.
Work With Senior Helpers Peachtree City
Caregivers must understand and address the potential effects of sundowning on their evening routines. By implementing the above strategies, caregivers can better manage sundowning challenges. If you reside in Newman, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, or Atlanta, GA, and need support managing sundowning or other caregiving responsibilities, don't hesitate to contact Senior Helpers Peachtree City. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to help make your caregiving journey more manageable and ensure the well-being of both you and your loved one.