Sundown Syndrome: Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Cope

Seniors and Alzheimers  |  September 18, 2017

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Alzheimer’s and Sundown Syndrome

Dementia and sundown syndrome affect many Canadian families. Sundown syndrome and its symptoms can sometimes be hard to identify. A diagnosis can be one of the darkest moments in someone’s life or one that has the brightest light.

What is Sundown Syndrome?

Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain and is host to a specific set of symptoms that can vary in patients. One of the most common signs is known as sundown syndrome. People dealing with the disease may become easily confused, unexplainably anxious or mentally fatigued and notice these symptoms worsen at sundown.

What are the Signs of Sundown Syndrome?

• Excessive anxiety
• Late day agitation
• Confusion
• Mental fatigue

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care for Seniors with Sundown Syndrome

Seniors experiencing signs of Alzheimer’s should be given quality care that emphasizes helping them cope with the diagnosis. Remember to keep things around the home as normal as possible.

Tips to Support Seniors Experiencing Sundown Syndrome

Tip #1. Small Changes

Make as few physical changes as possible. Life with Alzheimer’s changes lives in ways that seniors are not prepared for. Keep light bulbs changed to ensure significant lighting and to decrease shadows.

Tip #2. Rest and Healthy Food

Ensure seniors get good rest and remain calm. Provide healthy meals that are not filled with sugar or caffeine. Normalcy allows seniors to live through this phase of life with as much dignity as possible.

Tip #3. Communication

It is a good idea to talk with other family members about what changes they may be noticing in the loved one’s behaviour.

Getting Professional Help to Support Sundown Syndrome

Ignoring the signs and not enlisting the services of those trained to cope with sundown syndrome can lead to bigger issues. Seeking professional help is important for those providing dementia care.

Professionals can provide necessary assessment and care for those dealing with Alzheimer’s and help loved ones understand what changes to expect.

Most importantly, understand that help is available and there is no need to weather this storm alone. 

The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®

Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services

Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. 

Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC

Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes

If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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