Learn about Sundowning Tips For In Home Dementia Care Throughout Greater Kalispell, MT
Comfort Keepers provides trusted in home dementia care in Kalispell, Polson, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and surrounding areas
Is your loved one having trouble differentiating between daytime and nightfall? Do they exhibit signs of being confused or agitated that seem out of character? If so, they may be experiencing the symptoms of Sundowing syndrome.
Sundowning syndrome is a complicated medical condition in which a person becomes confused or agitated as the sun sets. It is most common in people with dementia, but it can also affect people who do not have dementia. The condition's nervous, restless, and occasionally disruptive behaviors begin around sunset and can last well into the night, as suggested by the name.
It can be challenging to care for and live with someone who has sundowning syndrome. A patient's caregivers and family members may be affected by the condition's behaviors. Fortunately, caregivers can take some steps to help reduce the risk factors that may contribute to sundowning and limit the occurrence or severity of the behavior. Continue reading below or contact our office today to see how our in home dementia care can help.
What's the Commonality Of Sundowning?
According to data from Alzheimer's Association in 2006, 2.4% to 25% of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer disease had shown signs of sundown syndrome. It is unknown whether race, age, or gender have any correlation to sundowning and the likelihood that someone may experience it more than somebody else.
What Type Of Behaviors Should You Look For?
Sundowning is a collection of disruptive behaviors that, in contrast to delirium, typically occur in the evening hours. Are there any symptoms that could indicate sundowning syndrome in someone you care about? When the sun goes down or when it gets dark, keep an eye out for any common behaviors they exhibit.
Sundowning syndrome patients may exhibit the following behaviors:
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Aggressiveness
- Restlessness
- Panic
- Pacing or wandering are examples of increased motor activity.
- Rejection of redirection
- heightened verbal activity, such as yelling
Any combination of these behaviors is possible, but they tend to worsen around sunset and persist into the evening. Those experiencing a sundowning episode may also experience hallucinations. They may also refuse to take medication, blur the lines between reality and dreams, or insist on going "home" to their children, even if they live in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Even if a person has dementia, they will appear more confused, nervous, and tense during a sundowning episode than they do during their normal daytime behaviors. The intensity and duration of sundowning events can vary. Our caregivers will practice known in home dementia care techniques to lessen the frequency of these episodes.
Contact Us Today For More Information
If you would like more information on how we deal with sundowning and various other in home dementia care services, don't hesitate to reach out to Comfort Keepers of Kalispell, MT. Our caregiver support staff will happily help you with whatever information you need!
