Sundowning refers to late-day confusion among older adults. This can span from the late afternoon into the night. This phenomenon shows symptoms of anxiety, confusion, as well as aggression.
When sundowning occurs, loved ones are encouraged to keep a close eye on their elderly loved ones. Your senior will be prone to pacing and wandering if not supervised. Keep them safe at home by locking the doors and windows.
This, however, is not a disease. Sundowning can occur in older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Some seniors with dementia may not experience this, but it is possible. The cause of sundowning is still unknown.
If you have a loved one who experiences sundowning, there are ways that you can avoid this late-day confusion, such as:
- Keeping the home well-lit.
- Plan daytime activities to encourage a peaceful rest at night.
- Limit daytime napping, as well as their caffeine intake. Enlisting the help of home care assistance to keep an eye on your loved one’s diet.
- Play their favorite music at night to encourage familiarity.
- Reduce stimulating activities at night, such as TV viewing. Keeping a night light on in their bedroom will also reduce agitation.
Sundowning is something that you should not be afraid of. With the help of home health care services, you can ease your loved one’s condition, as well as keep them safe and sound.
All Care Professional Home Health, Inc., a trusted health care agency in Arlington, Texas, offers high-quality care services that focus on your loved one’s overall needs. With our care team, we aim on improving your quality of life and healing with loving home health care.
We also offer therapy services in Texas.