How At-Home Care Reduces Nighttime Anxiety for Seniors in Bethesda, MD
Have you noticed that your mom gets confused and moody, especially in the evenings? Does your dad pace around at night? These behaviors are often a sign of nighttime anxiety, which is typically caused by a condition known as “sundowning”. According to the Mayo Clinic, “The term ‘sundowning’ refers to a state of confusion occurring in the late afternoon and spanning into the night. Sundowning can cause a variety of behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions. Sundowning can also lead to pacing or wandering.”
Understandably, you don’t want your elderly loved one to suffer with anxiety alone. However, you may not have the option to spend the night at their home.
Get the assistance your loved one needs with Visiting Angels of Bethesda. Our overnight at-home care services can help your loved one avoid feeling anxious at night so they can sleep soundly through the night.
Healthy Sleep Hygiene Calms Nighttime Anxiety
Sundowning disrupts the sleep cycle in seniors, and poor sleep may lead to more anxiety. Therefore, it’s critical to deter unhealthy sleep habits. At Visiting Angels of Bethesda, our at-home care providers can establish an evening routine to help your loved one avoid feelings of agitation or anxiety. For example, our caregivers may create a relaxing home environment by introducing music therapy or encouraging your loved one to avoid violent or upsetting TV shows before bed.
Companion Care Can Help Seniors Feel Relaxed
When confusion or anxiety strikes, Mom or Dad may be exceedingly agitated. With companion care services from Visiting Angels of Bethesda, our caregivers can help maximize comfort for your elderly loved one by engaging in conversation to calm them. Your loved one will have peace of mind knowing a compassionate and caring presence will be there with them throughout the night.
A Healthy Diet May Reduce Anxiety
Mood swings may signal a need for food or drink. A snack or beverage may ease discomfort and reduce aggression. Our at-home care providers will watch for signs of hunger and thirst. Additionally, we can also shop for groceries and prepare meals to reduce risk of anxiety because of poor or inconsistent diet. You’ll feel more at ease when Mom or Dad has a well-stocked fridge and pantry and home-cooked meals.
Start planning for professional at-home care now. A caregiver from Visiting Angels of Bethesda can provide daily assistance and vital respite care for your loved one. Sundowning doesn’t have to rob you of peace of mind; Visiting Angels of Bethesda can help you sleep better at night knowing your loved one has someone there to manage their sundowning behaviors.
To learn how at-home care from Visiting Angels of Bethesda can help your loved one sleep at night, call us at 301-490-9050.