• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Blue Water Homecare

Home and Hospice Care, Austin TX - BlueWater

Blue Water homecare
Homecare: 512-872-2955      Hospice: 512-647-2341
  • About Us
    • Meet Jennifer Prescott
    • Our Team
    • Getting Started
    • FAQ
    • Blog
    • Communities We Serve
    • Reviews
    • Media Kit
  • Homecare Services
    • Homecare
    • Dementia Care
    • Parkinson’s Program
  • Hospice Care
    • Bereavement Support
    • When To Consider Hospice Care
  • Veterans Homecare
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
Homecare: 512-872-2955      Hospice: 512-647-2341
Home  |  Blog   |   Caregiver Support  |  How to Stop Struggling from Sundowning

How to Stop Struggling from Sundowning

sundown syndrome management tips

Although it is still warm in Central Texas, the official start of fall is upon us. As the days begin to shorten and darkness comes earlier, many seniors, and especially those with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, may have trouble with sundowning.

Sundowning, or Sundown Syndrome, refers to the confusion, irritability, anxiety, or insomnia one develops later in the day when the sun sets.

Approximately twenty percent of people who have Alzheimer’s experience some degree of sundowning.

This is something our team of experienced senior care experts at Blue Water Homecare sees frequently in our dementia clients.

Blue Water Homecare and Hospice founder and COO, Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, CDP, shares information on how to help your senior loved one who may be struggling with sundowning at this time of year.

How is Sundown Syndrome treated?

While there is no definitive cure for Sundown Syndrome, several treatment strategies aim to manage its symptoms and improve the affected individual’s quality of life.

Lifestyle approaches to curb sundowning include keeping a consistent daily schedule, ensuring adequate exposure to natural light during the day, engaging in regular physical and mental activities, routine mealtimes, and creating a soothing environment during the evening hours.

Additionally, optimizing sleep patterns and minimizing stimulants like caffeine can help reduce restlessness and agitation.

In extreme cases, medications may also be considered to address underlying conditions or sundowning symptoms. It is important for family caregivers and healthcare professionals to work together towards an individualized treatment plan that safely addresses their specific needs.

Sundowning Management Tips

  1. Stick to a Consistent Routine

Creating and following a regular daily routine can provide a sense of structure and familiarity, which may help reduce agitation and confusion during sundowning episodes. Maintain consistent mealtimes, activities, and bedtime routines to help regulate their internal clock and promote better sleep patterns.

  1. Establish a Calming Environment

Make adjustments to the physical environment to create a soothing atmosphere during the evening hours. Ensure the room is well-lit but not overly bright, as dim lighting can contribute to increased confusion. Reduce noise and stimulation by playing soft music, using white noise machines, or implementing calming activities such as gentle stretching or listening to audiobooks.

  1. Use Validation and Reassurance

When a person with sundowning experiences increased agitation or confusion, it is crucial for caregivers and family members to provide comfort, validation and reassurance. Acknowledge their feelings and validate their experiences by using phrases like, “I understand that you’re feeling anxious right now.” Reassure them that they are safe and not alone.

  1. Distract and Redirect as Needed

If the person becomes agitated or restless during sundowning, caregivers can use distraction and redirection techniques by offering engaging activities or tasks that capture their attention and redirect their focus. This can include listening to calming music, working on or discussing a favorite hobby, looking at photo albums, or performing some light exercises.

What else should caregivers know about sundowning?

It’s essential for caregivers to remember to be patient, understanding, and compassionate when supporting someone with sundowning. Also, always make sure that they are safe and unable to ever harm themselves if having a particularly rough episode.

Blue Water Homecare senior at-home care professionals provide extensive dementia care and support to families who are affected by this condition.

Contact Blue Water Homecare Today

For more information, please call 512-872-2955 or contact us online for a free in-home assessment or a consultation. Let us introduce your family to the Blue Water family and show you how your loved one can continue to live life comfortably, and safely, at home.

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Caregiver Support
  • Homecare
  • Hospice
  • News and Media
  • Parkinson's Care
  • Senior Care

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • August 2021
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020

Facebook     Instagram     Youtube Linkedin Best of 2020 Best of 2021 Senior Resource Guide Best of 2021 Senior Resource Guide Best of 2022 CC22 Austin FINALIST CC23 Austin FINALIST Proudly serving Veterans
© 2025 Blue Water Homecare, All Rights Reserved. Site Design and Search Marketing by Sector45
Blue Water Homecare and Hospice is proud to serve communities throughout Central Texas including Austin, Bee Cave, Burnet, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Horseshoe Bay, Kingsland, Lakeway, Leander, Marble Falls, Onion Creek, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and Westlake. Privacy PolicySitemapAccessibility Statement