As the sun sets, the evening can bring a range of emotions to our loved ones. After a long day, they may feel physically tired, lonely, or even a bit down. The evening challenge, referred to as sundowning, is when loved ones become increasingly restless, anxious, or agitated. This is common for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Understanding the Sundowning Effect means recognizing that these behaviors stem from unmet needs.
Some common unmet needs that can trigger sundowning symptoms include:
- Pain
- Boredom
- Need for the restroom
- Exhaustion
- Need for a compassionate approach
- Thirst or hunger
- Environmental factors, like lighting or noise
How In-Home Memory Care Can Help with Evening Care:
Family Exhaustion. After a long day of caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s, plus caring for other family members, working, taking care of the home, and everything else, you find yourself a little less able to be patient or not take things personally. That’s perfectly normal and can make evenings more difficult. As family members, you’ve likely been caring for your loved one all night and day, and by evening, it’s natural to feel drained and exhausted. This fatigue can make it difficult to continue providing the same level of support (with a smile on your face). Without the necessary help, you will notice increased signs of agitation, wandering, anxiety, and even aggressiveness in your loved one.
By hiring an evening care team, you can ensure that your loved one’s needs are met during this critical time, while also allowing yourself to rest and recharge. An in-home care team can support your family to address these unmet needs to keep your loved one in their forever home.
Hiring help doesn’t mean you’re stepping back from care—it means you’re ensuring that your loved one gets the highest quality of care, when your energy runs low. It is also a way to take care of both Mom and Dad.
Here are a few tips to address these unmet needs and how evening care can make a daily difference in your loved one’s life.
- Creating a Calming Environment for Sleep
An in-home memory care provider can establish a nighttime routine that promotes relaxation and restful sleep. From dimming the lights to turning off the TV and setting a peaceful atmosphere, they know how to prepare the space for a restful evening. This is especially important for seniors who struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep cycles. - Preparing a Home-Cooked Meal
After a tiring day, your loved one may not feel like cooking or preparing a meal. An evening caregiver can step in, making a home-cooked meal to ensure they’re well-fed before bedtime. It’s not just about nourishment—it’s about creating comfort and a sense of normalcy in the home they love. - Providing Emotional Support
Feelings of loneliness and sadness often intensify in the evening. A caregiver can offer companionship by engaging in conversations, reading a relaxing book aloud, or simply being there for reassurance. The presence of someone who cares can help ease emotional distress, turning the focus from isolation to connection. - Helping with Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is critical, especially for seniors. An in-home memory care provider can help establish and maintain routines that support better sleep, such as ensuring the room is cool, comfortable, and quiet. They can also help with nightly rituals, like brushing teeth, washing up, and even offering calming techniques like deep breathing or listening to soft music. - Reminding Them of Bedtime Medications
In the evening, caregivers ensure that medications are taken on time, especially those that promote sleep or manage symptoms during the night. This is vital for maintaining a consistent routine and ensuring your loved one’s health needs are met. - Providing a Sense of Safety and Reassurance
Nighttime can sometimes bring feelings of vulnerability or fear, especially for seniors living alone. A caregiver provides peace of mind by offering a sense of security, whether by locking doors, checking on safety equipment, or simply being there for reassurance. This can help your loved one fall asleep knowing that they’re safe and well taken care of.
Bringing Comfort to the End of the Day
Having an in-home memory care provider in the evening not only supports your loved one’s physical needs but also nourishes their emotional and mental well-being. With the right evening care, they can transition from the hustle of the day into the quiet comfort of the night, feeling safe, relaxed, and cared for getting better sleep (which prevents falls during the day).
It’s during these moments when having an evening caregiver can make a world of difference ensuring your loved one experiences comfort and security to continue living in their forever home.
Living with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease can be a roller coaster. Mornings may be nice and calm, with good memories, easy follow-through, and plenty of smiles and laughter. But for many people with Alzheimer’s disease, the evening hours can be tough, making it hard for their caregivers to keep them safe and happy.
Daytime Steps In-Home Memory Care Will Take to Make Nighttime Better
- Engage. Busy days = restful nights. Avoid the TV, find meaning and purpose together.
- Exercise. Moving during the day will help your loved one’s body be ready to slow down and sleep each night. A short walk around the neighborhood can make evenings calmer and reduce the body’s desire to move.
- Restrict naps. Too much napping can actually make evenings worse and create a more unstable environment for your loved one. Keep naps no longer than 1 hour.
- Make sure the indoor lighting reflects the outdoor lighting. Open shades during the day and close them at night.
- Eliminate caffeine and sugar. Make sure to switch over to decaffeinated drinks as the day progresses and keep sugary snacks to a minimum at night.
If your loved one is in need of in-home memory care in Lincoln, NE, please contact Home Care Partners today at (402) 780-1211.
If your loved one’s wish is to continue living in their forever home, we can make that possible. Reach out to us today our Care Consults are FREE 402-780-1211.
Home Care Partners is a top provider of care management services in Lincoln, NE and Lancaster County. We Bring Assisted Living Home.
Our Caregiving team provides personal one-on-one attention for your loved one. When you are ready to begin your care journey, we are the experts that will answer your questions and help you implement a plan.
Home Care Partners is locally owned and committed to providing Thoughtful, Quality, and Dedicated Care.
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