Caregiver's Guide: Understanding & Managing Sundown Syndrome
One common condition that seniors potentially face as they age is sundown syndrome. Caregivers may find it challenging to handle the behaviors associated with sundown syndrome, especially those that can escalate as time passes. The guide below includes more information on sundown syndrome and how caregivers can better manage the related symptoms.
What is Sundown Syndrome?
Seniors with sundown syndrome experience increased confusion and agitation during the late afternoon and into the evening. Sundown syndrome is sometimes thought of as something only seniors diagnosed with dementia experience; however, any senior can be susceptible to it. Although sundown syndrome is not a formally recognized psychiatric diagnosis, its effects are undeniable. In fact, managing the behaviors associated with sundown syndrome can cause family members and caregivers to lose sleep, decreasing their abilities to handle the situation with compassion and patience.
Symptoms of Sundown Syndrome
Sundown syndrome can manifest in multiple ways—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and change randomly, seemingly at a moment’s notice. For example, seniors may pace, wander, or feel disoriented. Symptoms can also escalate to yelling, screaming, and agitation.
Tips for Managing Sundown Syndrome in Seniors
Sundown syndrome is widely known and commonly seen by those who work with seniors, such as our caregivers at Visiting Angels. However, to the average family caregiver, sundowning might not be so clearly recognized in their loved one, making it even more challenging to address the behavioral traits that come with it. Making small adjustments to a senior’s environment can assist with managing these traits. The tips below address techniques caregivers can use, including calming routines and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Caregivers can also reach out to Visiting Angels of Toms River for assistance by calling 732-240-1050.
Keep Loud Noises to a Minimum in Evening Hours
Reduce the jolting stimuli that can cause a senior with sundowners to respond poorly, and avoid making loud noises like clattering pots and pans or vacuuming, if possible, in the afternoon and evening hours.
Provide Maximum Light Exposure During the Day
Since many sundown syndrome-related behaviors occur when the sun sets, caregivers can delay or prevent those issues by maximizing the light seniors are exposed to throughout the day. The additional light can also improve a senior’s mood and help adjust those circadian rhythms. When the sun begins setting, close window coverings and provide bright artificial lighting throughout the senior’s home.
Focus on Redirection and Gentle Communication
Unfortunately, the behaviors seniors can exhibit due to sundown syndrome aren’t necessarily logical, so they shouldn’t be addressed as if they are. In other words, it’s better to redirect or gently communicate with seniors in these times to avoid further conflict. In addition, refraining from restraining an aging loved one can also help keep tensions low in a situation.
Additional methods that can help include creating consistent schedules for seniors, helping them with maintaining routines like a healthy bedtime routine, keeping naps to a minimum during the day, making sure they’re not napping late in the day, and monitoring stimulants like caffeine, TV, and visitors. Ideally, do your best to support calm activities and routines.
Visiting Angels of Toms River: Your Resource For Senior Care
Family caregivers may not fully understand or recognize the connection between a senior’s irritable behaviors in the afternoon and sundown syndrome. Visiting Angels of Toms River takes every opportunity to help family caregivers accomplish their goals, including relieving their burden when it comes to sundown syndrome. Below are additional tips our care staff offers seniors and their loved ones:
- 6 Mental Health Tips For Seasonal Depression Awareness Month
- Care Strategies for Supporting Seniors With Memory Loss
- Understanding Memory Care: An Overview for Families
- 7 Tips for a Better Night’s Rest
If you’d like to learn more about our senior care services, contact us to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to answer your questions and welcome you to the Visiting Angels family.