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You are here: Home / news / Nine Tips to Decrease the Behaviors of Sundowning

Nine Tips to Decrease the Behaviors of Sundowning

October 9, 2017 by Andrea Hikel Leave a Comment

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By Suzi Bottlinger, Sunset Home Social Worker

Sundowner’s Syndrome or sundowning are terms related to behaviors that are experienced by someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia and happens around the time the sun goes down. There are many theories about why those with Sundowner’s Syndrome experience this, though it is known to be related to brain exhaustion. Increased confusion, agitation, sleep disturbances, and restlessness are just a few of the symptoms/behaviors of sundowning.

Typically sundowning occurs around dusk, though some experience it earlier in the afternoon. As the sun goes down and shadows are created, the shapes and change in lighting is distorted and has a negative effect on this person with Dementia. Because of the cognitive impairment, much of their communication is through non-verbal body language, which results in behaviors observed by the caregiver. Environmental stimulants such as radio/television, mowing, noise, or physical changes in living space certainly can contribute to agitation seen during the sundowning hours. Anxiety and exit seeking are common behaviors related to sundowning. It is exacerbated if the person has a history of and/or is currently abusing alcohol or drugs. Sundowning experiences may be individualized due to personalities, previous and current health diagnoses and treatment, and psychosocial factors

It is important for caregivers to be educated on Sundowner’s  Syndrome to be able to provide effective support. Discussing symptoms of sundowning with the primary care physician is important so the doctor is aware of the progression of the disease and can help guide the caregiver. Keeping a log or journal of days, times, frequency and behaviors observed is helpful. Providing details of this log to the doctor is valuable in identifying possible physical health situations versus Sundowner’s Syndrome. Other health problems may influence behaviors; also, thus involving the doctor is essential. There are occasions that medication is prescribed to address the behaviors that result from sundowning. Medications are usually recommended only after the caregiver has exhausted all attempts to help the person and were not successful.

Below are some tips to decrease the behaviors that result from sundowning:

  1. Maintain a schedule for consistency
  2. Schedule outings in the morning
  3. Do not have caffeine intake in the afternoon
  4. Assure proper lighting
  5. Incorporate daily exercise into daily routine, preferable in morning
  6. Encouraging a nap after the noon meal will help the person be more relaxed
  7. Be aware of outside influences of noise, distractions, etc. that could be negative
  8. Be patient
  9. Expect repetitive questions and provide reassurance
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Filed Under: news Tagged With: aging, Aging in Place, Aging Well, Assisted Living, Bosque County, Care Giver, Caregiver, Clifton, Companion services, Dementia, Health Center, Independent Living, Long-term care, Lutheran Sunset Ministries, Retirement living, Senior Care, Senior Health, Senior Living, Texas, Wellness

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Celebrating 65 years of ministry and service to the seniors of Clifton and Bosque County, Lutheran Sunset Ministries offers inspired retirement living options at every life stage. Our 32-acre campus is designed as an intimate setting of neighborhoods that accommodate residents at various levels of care. In addition to quality health and wellness opportunities, Lutheran Sunset Ministries provides an enriched lifestyle through innovative programs, interdisciplinary activities, and a focus on physical, intellectual, social and spiritual growth.

Providing the only full continuum of care available in Bosque County—including independent living, assisted living, long-term care, rehabilitation and therapy, memory support, hospice services and companion services—Lutheran Sunset Ministries is a cornerstone of the region. With a state-of-the-art healthcare building, an increase in services and amenities, and a rededication to providing services that allow people to live full and enriched lives, Lutheran Sunset Ministries has created a quality of life unparalleled in the region.

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