Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be physically and emotionally challenging, especially when confusion, anxiety, or agitation increases later in the day. This behavior is often referred to as sundowning or Sundowners Syndrome, and it can be stressful for both the person living with dementia and the family members caring for them.
At BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula, we understand how difficult these moments can be. Our compassionate caregiver and nurses provide personalized in-home support to help families manage dementia-related behaviors while helping loved ones remain safe and comfortable at home.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning describes a pattern of increased confusion, restlessness, anxiety, pacing, irritability, or agitation that often occurs in the late afternoon, evening, or nighttime. For someone living with dementia, changes in light, fatigue, disrupted routines, overstimulation, hunger, pain, or medication side effects may all contribute to these behaviors.
While every person is different, sundowning may include:
- Increased confusion or fear in the evening
- Pacing or restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
- Verbal outbursts or irritability
- Suspicion, paranoia, or hallucinations
- Resistance to care or changes in routine
Understanding That the Anger Is Not Personal
When a loved one becomes upset, it can feel hurtful or overwhelming. However, dementia-related anger is often a response to fear, confusion, discomfort, fatigue, or an inability to communicate needs clearly.
A person may be frustrated because they cannot complete a familiar task, recognize their surroundings, explain pain, or understand what is happening. Approaching these moments with patience, reassurance, and empathy can make a meaningful difference.
Look for Triggers
One of the most helpful steps families can take is to observe patterns. Try to notice what happens before the agitation begins.
Common triggers may include:
- Hunger or thirst
- Fatigue or poor sleep
- Pain or discomfort
- Too much noise or activity
- Bright lights, shadows, or a cluttered environment
- A change in caregivers or routine
- Boredom or loneliness
Keeping a simple daily log of behaviors, meals, sleep, medications, and activities can help identify patterns. If there are sudden or significant changes in behavior, families should contact the person’s physician.
Communicate Calmly and Clearly
Communication plays a major role in dementia care. Speak slowly, use a calm tone, and keep instructions simple. Try not to ask too many questions at once or overwhelm your loved one with too much information.
Helpful approaches include:
- Use short, clear sentences
- Offer reassurance often
- Maintain a calm and gentle tone
- Avoid arguing or correcting unnecessarily
- Give your loved one time to respond
- Redirect rather than confront
If your loved one becomes upset and is safe, stepping away briefly to give everyone a moment to calm down can also help.
Use Redirection and Comforting Activities
Sometimes the best way to ease tension is to redirect attention to something familiar and comforting. This may include music, a favorite show, a short walk, folding towels, looking through photos, doing a puzzle, or simply sitting together quietly.
A calm environment, consistent routine, and meaningful activities can help reduce agitation and support a better evening routine.
When Families Need Extra Support
Caring for someone with dementia can be demanding, and families do not have to do it alone. Professional in-home dementia care can provide much-needed relief, safety, companionship, and structure.
BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula provides compassionate Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal care, companion care, skilled nursing, transitional care, and medical staffing services. Our in-home care includes Registered Nurse oversight for individualized care plans, helping ensure care is tailored to each client’s changing needs. (BrightStar Care)
BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula Service Areas
BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula proudly serves families throughout the local area, including:
Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Marina, Seaside, Salinas, Hollister, Soledad, King City, and nearby communities.
Contact BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula
If your family needs support caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or changing care needs at home, BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula is here to help.
BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula
2511 Garden Road, Suite C250
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 200-4555
Website: https://www.brightstarcare.com/locations/the-monterey-peninsula/
Contact Us: https://www.brightstarcare.com/locations/the-monterey-peninsula/contact-us/
The office can be reached 24/7 by phone at 831-200-4555.