Chicago Home Care Services | Broad Street Home Care

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Sundowning Syndrome – Tips to Manage

Many people with Alzheimer’s disease experience sundowning—restlessness, agitation, irritability, or confusion that can begin or worsen as daylight begins to fade. The symptoms typically include agitation, restlessness, irritability, confusion, disorientation and suspicious attitude.

There are a few things you can do as a caregiver to ease the situation for both you and the individual affected by Alzheimer’s.

Avoid things that can affect healthy sleep in the individual with Alzheimer’s:

  • Don’t let your loved one smoke or drink alcohol

  • Make sure if they have sweets and caffeine that they just do it in the morning

  • Make a big lunch, and keep their evening meal smaller and simple

Actively adjust the environment and the mood:

  • Reduce noise and clutter

  • Distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity

  • Play soothing music or read together

  • Turn on lights to minimize shadows that may cause confusion

  • Fix the room temperature to they are comfortable

Address the needs of the individual:

  • Stay calm

  • Ask your loved one if they need something

  • Remind them what time it is

  • Don’t argue with them

  • Reassure them. Tell them everything is OK

And most importantly, take care of yourself:

  • Ask a friend or relative to fill in for you at night

  • Try to get a daytime nap

  • Take breaks whenever you can during the day

  • Hire a home care service for backup

Knowing Symptoms is Key to Treatment

Always be sure to seek medical advice if the problem continues or increases. Oftentimes the symptoms are from being tired, in pain, or bored, which can be easily addressed if identified.

Broad Street’s caregivers can help you actively support the needs of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or provide respite care for a family caregiver.

All personal care is supported by a registered nurse and a team of nurse supervisors, allowing for quick and efficient action in case of an emergency or to prevent one.

Call us at 847-728-0134 to learn more.