Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's represents a challenge. However, when that person lives with your family, the challenge becomes more significant. One of the most concerning aspects of Alzheimer's is sundowning. This is a term used to describe the increased anxiety, confusion, and agitation that often occurs in the late afternoon and evening for those affected by the disease. Caregivers need to understand and find ways to minimize the effects of sundowning, not only for the well-being of seniors with Alzheimer's but also for the harmony of your entire family.
In this blog post, we'll help you better comprehend sundowning in seniors and provide you with strategies to navigate this problematic aspect of Alzheimer's care while still maintaining a balanced family life.
Understanding Sundowning
Sundowning refers to a range of symptoms and behaviors that often manifest in seniors with Alzheimer's during the late afternoon and evening hours. These symptoms may include increased restlessness, confusion, agitation, pacing, as well as verbal or physical outbursts.
The exact cause of sundowning isn't completely understood. However, some possible contributing factors include fatigue, changes in light, and disruption of the body's internal clock. Identifying patterns in your senior relative's behavior will help you better anticipate and manage sundowning episodes.
Strategies for Managing Sundowning in Seniors with Alzheimer's
Check out the recommendations below to help manage the symptoms of sundowning in your household:
- Establish a consistent daily routine. Providing a structured daily schedule helps minimize the effects of sundowning. Encourage your loved one to establish regular mealtimes and sleep schedules and engage in planned activities. Maintaining a predictable routine will reduce stress and confusion for seniors and help them feel more secure in their environment.
- Create a calm and soothing environment. During the late afternoon and evening hours, aim to make the living space as relaxing and comforting as possible. Use soft lighting, gentle music, or ambient sounds, and limit exposure to loud noises and overly stimulating situations. Reducing stimulation may help your loved one feel more at ease and less prone to sundowning symptoms.
- Encourage physical activity and mental stimulation during the day. Enjoyable and engaging activities will help your senior loved one with mental alertness. Make sure to choose options that aren't overly stimulating or exhausting. By ensuring seniors expend energy during the day, they may suffer less from anxiety or agitation in the evening.
Helping Other Family Members Cope with Sundowning
To help your spouse, children, and other family members understand and deal with living with a loved one experiencing sundowning consider the following points:
- Educate children and other family members about Alzheimer's and sundowning. Open communication is crucial in helping your family understand and cope with the challenges of Alzheimer's. Explain the symptoms and behaviors associated with sundowning in age-appropriate terms, and encourage empathy and support for the senior relative.
- Set boundaries and establish a support system. All family members must know their roles and responsibilities in caring for the senior. Encourage everyone to seek support from friends, support groups, or professional services when needed. Working together will help your family effectively manage the challenges of Alzheimer's caregiving.
- Maintain a sense of normalcy and routine for the entire family. Despite the difficulties of caring for a senior with Alzheimer's, it's important to continue engaging in family activities and maintaining traditions. Encourage self-care and relaxation for all family members, ensuring everyone the opportunity to recharge and maintain a sense of stability.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need additional help to manage sundowning in seniors with Alzheimer's and other caregiving responsibilities. In-home care services like those provided by Senior Helpers Central Texas represent an invaluable solution. The trained professionals at Senior Helpers understand the unique challenges of Alzheimer's and sundowning and provide flexible scheduling and personalized care plans to meet your family's needs.
We Can Help
Finding ways to minimize the effects of sundowning is crucial for both the senior and the rest of your family. Implementing the strategies discussed in this post and seeking professional assistance when needed will help you navigate the challenges of caring for a family member with Alzheimer's while maintaining a balanced family life.
Remember that you're not alone. At Senior Helpers, we offer support and understanding to help your family thrive in the face of these challenges. If you live in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Georgetown, or Lakeway, consider contacting us for support.