Dementia brings so many changes to the way seniors live. One of the challenges they might face is dealing with sundowning, which is a period of agitation and confusion in the late afternoon and evening. Helping seniors manage sundowning means helping them to find routines that ease them through that period of time and allow them to wind down for the evening. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families figure out which activities work best for their particular family members.
Playing Soothing, Soft Music
Playing soft music that seniors find soothing or simply choosing ambient sounds that they enjoy are a great way to help seniors with dementia slow down for the day. There are lots of options for this, from sound machines to CDs, radio stations, or even YouTube channels that include soothing visuals as well. Trying out some of the different ideas can help families find what works.
Reading Something Enjoyable
Reading helps seniors to pass the time and can help them to skip over anything that they might find agitating or irritating during the later parts of the day. Audiobooks can work as well, especially if seniors find them soothing. Reading along with someone else or having someone read to them gives seniors companionship.
Gentle Physical Activity
Strenuous physical activity might not be the best idea when winding down for the day, but there are other ideas. Gentle activities, like walking or doing stretching exercises, can help seniors to burn off excess energy that might contribute to agitation without overstimulating them. This is another great opportunity for socialization, with home care providers or family members.
Engaging in Easy Activities or Games
Activities or games that are simple and easy to follow help seniors to avoid some of the triggers that might make sundowning worse. Keeping these activities simple helps reduce overwhelm which could make sundowning worse. These can be a game of checkers or another easy board game, card game, or video game.
Taking a Soothing Shower or Bath
For some seniors, a bath or shower at the end of the day can be the perfect way to ease into evening and slip into slumber. Using bath products that include soothing scents, like lavender, can also help with this. Warm showers and baths help to relax tense muscles that might contribute to agitation.
Setting Up for the Next Day
Something else that can help in the evening and for the next day is to work with seniors to set themselves up for the next day. This might involve choosing clothing for the next day, deciding what they want for breakfast, or any other activities that make the next day easier. Alzheimer’s care providers can help with limiting choices so that seniors have a say in what they’re experiencing without becoming overwhelmed by too many decisions.
Finding the right routine for the end of the day can make a world of difference for seniors with dementia. Alzheimer’s care providers understand how dementia and sundowning impacts overall quality of life, so they can make recommendations that can help.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in The Heights, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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