Sundowning is a phenomenon that many seniors with dementia experience. These older adults feel restlessness, agitation, and confusion from the late afternoons to the early evenings. At times, these emotions can even run through the night.
You or a home health aide in Springfield, New Jersey can help aging loved ones who may be experiencing sundowning. Some tips for you to apply include the following:
- Ensure adequate physical activity during the day.
When your aging loved ones become restless, it usually is a result of pent up energy. To make sure that they feel tired and sleep during the night, it is best to spend their energy in the mornings and early afternoons. Exercising, performing simple house chores, and other physical activities are great ideas to do. - Keep their surroundings calm.
A noisy and dirty room can cause agitation and confusion. Placing your loved ones in calm surroundings will also calm them down. Some of the things you can do are avoiding loud noises, playing soft music, and dimming the lights. - Regulate their daily meal schedule.
If your loved ones are too full or consumed caffeine at night, they may feel restless. Make sure to prepare full meals for breakfast or lunch and make dinner light. A home health aide in Livingston, New Jersey can help in meal preparation.
Needing home care services in New Jersey for your loved ones with dementia? Don’t hesitate to contact Aquinas Healthcare!