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

Sundown Syndrome | It can be one of the darkest moments in life or one that has the brightest light. You may not always see it coming but the signs are usually there. They call it sundown syndrome and the symptoms can be up-front or sometimes hard to identify. Either way, it means that Alzheimer’s is somewhere near and dementia care should be considered.

What is Sundown Syndrome?

Alzheimer’s disease is usually accompanied by a specific set of signs and symptoms that vary among patients. One of the most common signs is known as sundown syndrome. It is given this name because most symptoms occur at sundown, the end of the day. People dealing with the disease may become easily confused, unexplainably anxious or fatigued mentally and these symptoms will usually be worse around 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

Any person experiencing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia should be given quality dementia care. Several things can be done to help them cope with the drastic change that their life is undergoing. Remember to keep things around home as normal as possible.

Tips to Support Seniors Experiencing Sundown Syndrome

Tip #1. Small Changes

Make as few physical changes as possible, because life with Alzheimer’s changes life in ways that seniors are not prepared for. Keep light bulbs changed to ensure significant lighting and to decrease the number of shadows that sundown syndrome patients see.

Tip #2. Rest and Healthy Food

Ensure your loved one gets good rest and remains calm most of the day. Give them healthy meals that are not filled with sugary foods 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

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

It can also make the condition much more challenging for seniors living with Alzheimer’s. 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. 

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

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

Learn more about our unique service which offers respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting 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 me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of 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 been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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