Living with a family member who has Alzheimer's can be taxing, to say the least. This is especially true when you have young dependents to look after and a senior relative with sundowning symptoms. The increased anxiety, confusion, and agitation in the evening hours require careful attention. Balancing the needs of your loved one and the rest of your family can feel overwhelming. However, understanding sundowning and how to manage it can lead to greater peace of mind for everyone involved.
Learn About Sundowning
Sundowning can be perplexing both for the person experiencing it and their family members. While the exact cause of it remains unknown, factors such as fatigue, changes in daily routines, and the reduced ability to see in low-light conditions may contribute to its occurrence. Some common signs of sundowning include increased pacing, mood swings, confusion, and agitation, especially when the sun starts to set. Recognizing these symptoms in your loved one with Alzheimer's is crucial for implementing effective strategies to minimize its impact on your family dynamics.
Learn Strategies for Minimizing Sundowning
With some strategies in mind, you can work to minimize the symptoms of sundowning for your loved one.
Establish a Daily Routine
An effective way to handle sundowning is by creating a consistent daily routine. Ensuring that your senior loved one wakes up and goes to bed at the same time each day, has their meals at a particular hour, and engages in daily activities while it's light can help them feel more secure and reduce anxiety levels.
Create a Calm and Comfortable Environment
Creating a calm and comfortable environment in your home is also essential. Make an effort to minimize noise and distractions during the evening hours. This can help your loved one with Alzheimer's feel more at ease. Adjusting the lighting in your home can also be helpful. Dimly lit spaces or shadows can increase confusion and agitation.
Encourage Physical and Mental Stimulation
Encouraging physical activity and mental stimulation during the day is another crucial component in managing sundowning. Regular exercise is not only beneficial for overall health but can also help improve sleep quality. This can play a significant role in reducing sundowning symptoms. Similarly, engaging your family member with Alzheimer's in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles or conversations can help maintain their cognitive function and reduce agitation.
Monitor Diet and Medication
When it comes to diet and medication, monitoring your loved one's intake of caffeine and alcohol can also make a difference. Both of these substances can interfere with sleep and exacerbate sundowning symptoms, so it's best to avoid them in the evening. Additionally, ensuring proper medication management and discussing any concerns with their doctor can help minimize the impact of sundowning on your family.
Talk to Your Children
Talking to your children about Alzheimer's and sundowning is critical for fostering understanding and empathy within your family. Explain the situation in age-appropriate terms and encourage open communication. This will not only support your children in processing their emotions but also help them adapt to the changes in your family dynamics.
Work With Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook
Managing sundowning in a family member with Alzheimer's is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your entire family. With the right information, resources, and support, you can better navigate this challenging journey. If you're residing in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Crest Hill, Lockport, Darien, Woodridge, Romeoville, or Downers Grove, and require professional assistance, Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook is here to help. Contact us today to discover how we can support you and your loved ones on this journey.