Have you noticed that a change of seasons makes your mom restless or agitated? Your dad falls asleep just after dinner and wakes up throughout the night. As seasons change, seniors can have a harder time with insomnia, mood swings, and seasonal depression. If your parent has Alzheimer's, sundowning may worsen or appear for the first time.
Before you stress yourself out, take a look at why seasonal changes affect some seniors. Here are some things you can do to help them deal with the change as the days shorten.
What is Sundowning?
Sundowning is tied to behavioral changes in those with Alzheimer's. As the sun sets or evening arrives, people with Alzheimer's may become easily agitated, irritable, pushy, restless, and more disoriented than usual.
It's believed that people with Alzheimer's experience sundowning because of changes to the area of the brain that control the internal clock. Changes in daylight may also play a part. As days shorten and the sun sets earlier, it throws the person off. Bright lighting within the house can help eliminate shadows that can be alarming.
Winter Depression
Shorter days mean less sunlight. With the arrival of fall, colder weather also arrives. Days may be rainy for weeks and weeks making it hard to get outside for fresh air. The lack of sunlight leads to the loss of vitamin D from exposure to the sun. Snow and ice arrive and increase the risk of harm if a senior goes outside for a walk.
All of this can lead to a seasonal form of depression known as winter depression. Doctors think that the lack of sunlight affects melatonin production. This can lead to mood swings, a loss of appetite, insomnia, and anxiety. It's essential that your parent gets out of the house even if it means bundling up and having someone to walk with for support.
Arthritis
Your parent may find that arthritis is worsened in the winter. The colder temperatures can make the joints ache. Some find cold, damp weather affects arthritis. It may be beneficial to sign up for a winter's membership at an indoor pool. Your parent can exercise in water where buoyancy helps alleviate some of the strain on ankles, knees, and hip joints.
You Parent Isn't the Only One Affected By Seasonal Changes
You may also find your mood changing through the fall and winter. You're doing all you can to keep your parent happy. It can be stressful.
Take breaks before your burn out. Respite care is an elderly care service where you get to take a break while a caregiver takes over home care tasks. Go out with friends or head to the gym. Use respite care services to take a walk or run errands. All it takes is one call to an elderly care agency to get started.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN THE NEAR NORTH, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.