SUNDOWNER’S CARE AT HOME

SUNDOWNER’S SYMPTOMS

Some elderly people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia will start showing agitation or restlessness in the late afternoon or early evening. The cause of this condition isn’t well understood, but there are various symptoms that may indicate your loved one has Sundowner’s Syndrome.

Not everyone with Alzheimer’s develops Dementia. Also, not every person with Dementia will develop Sundowner’s Syndrome, but if someone you love is displaying the following behaviors, you may want to consider the possibility they have this neurological condition.

Common symptoms of Sundowner’s Syndrome are:

Increased Confusion or Disorientation
Agitation and Anxiety
Restlessness
Acting Suspicious or Fearful
Becoming Irritable or Demanding
Have Mood Swings
Verbal Outburst or Yelling
Pacing
Hearing or seeing things, delusions

SUNDOWNER’S SYNDROME AND HOME CARE

Having a loved one become anxious and fearful at night can cause disruption in your home. It helps to have an experienced professional who can calm, distract and soothe someone with Sundowner’s Syndrome. A trained professional knows how to avoid triggers and redirect an elderly person’s attention when they are agitated or having delusions.

There are things that families can do to minimize the effects of the condition:

Keep a steady routine

Waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, having meals on a set schedule, implementing a set evening routine all help ease the impact Sundowners can have on a person’s behavior.

Limit or prevent things that prevent sleep

Caffeine and sugar should be limited to mornings to prevent chemical stimulation that will prevent sleeping at night. Don’t allow your loved one to nap late in the day and restrict when and how much they drink or smoke. Serving a large lunch and a smaller dinner will also help them sleep at night.

Prevent overstimulation before bedtime

Darkness can cause agitation so close curtains and turn on interior lights. Keep distractions and noise to a minimum when bedtime is approaching. Do quiet, calming activities before bed – read, play cards together. Listen to calming music and set the room to a comfortable temperature. Make sure family members and visitors know to keep evenings calm and quiet by liniting things like cell phone usage, loud music or conversations.

Memberships and Credentials

• State Licensed, Bonded and Insured Non-Medical Home Care Organization (HCO)

• Alzheimer’s Association Member

•National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)

• Home Care Association of America (HCAOA)

• Member of American Care Management Association (ACMA)

• Approved Vendor by Long-Term Care Insurance Companies

• Contracted Provider for Long Term Care Insurance Guild

• Vendor for Anthem Blue Cross / Blue Shield

• Provider for Health Saving Accounts (HSA) Health Plans

• Certified MediCare / MediCal Provider for Personal Care Services

• Vendor for Medi-Cal Waiver Programs