Sundowning with Dementia

At this time of year (September/October) in the care sector we hear a lot about “sundowning”.  This is a term commonly used by care practitioners to describe a change in behaviour of people with dementia when it goes dusk.  In most cases manifests itself in increased agitation or anxiety making a person feel in the “wrong place”.  This can lead to people saying  “I have to be somewhere”, become confused, pacing, and even shouting or arguing.

Why do people with dementia experience sundowning?  It is believed to have several causes, as the day wears on they can become more tired, and for some reason they feel they feel they “should have done something” or be “somewhere else”.

Tips for managing sundowning

• Use distraction, try to get the person to do something else
• Limit or stop the person drinking caffeine and alcohol
• Try to limit daytime naps so the person gets more night sleep
• Close the curtains and put lights on before dusk to ease the transition
• Cover any reflective material as it can confuse
• Try to have a consistent evening routine

Independent Living can provide home care to provide a loved one with a short break or even longer respite care.  We have very experienced carers who help people with dementia and memory loss.  If you feel you need help caring for a loved one in Chorley or Leyland please call us for an informal chat in standard office hours. 

01257 696 050