Sundowning is a symptom of late-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It causes increased agitation, restlessness, confusion, and personality and behavioral changes in the late afternoon and early evening.

It can be triggered by the changing light as the sun sets and daylight begins to fade. Some symptoms of sundowning can be dangerous, especially to elderly people who are living on their own.

It’s best to hire an in-home caregiver who specializes in Alzheimer’s care or dementia care to protect your loved one from wandering, injury, or an accident. Here is a closer look at some of the most dangerous symptoms of sundowning, and how you can keep your loved one safe.

Attempts to Leave the House, Drive, or Wander

As your loved one’s condition progresses, they may be more prone to wander. When your loved one is sundowning, making an attempt to leave the house, drive, or wander away from home can be very dangerous.

If your loved one lives alone, they may be able to get quite far on foot or in a car before someone notices that they are missing. They may be at risk of getting lost or injured, becoming dehydrated or suffering from heat stroke, or getting in an accident.

Increased Aggression or Physical Fights

Sundowning can increase the intensity of your loved one’s personality and behavioral changes. They may become verbally or physically aggressive, which can be dangerous to you and other family members and neighbors.

They may yell, hit, shove, or throw objects. If this violent behavior escalates and puts people in harm’s way or may cause injury to your loved one, you need professional intervention.

Refusal of Care

Another dangerous symptom of sundowning is the refusal of care. Your loved one may resist having a caregiver in their home, or may lash out at friends and family members who are trying to help.

They may refuse to take their medication, go to doctor’s appointments, or accept help with daily tasks like toileting, bathing, and dressing. This can not only put stress on family caregivers, but also threaten your loved one’s health, safety, comfort, and quality of life.

Significant Sleep Disruption

Sundowning can significantly affect your loved one’s sleep schedule. They may be restless and agitated well into the night and refuse to go to bed.

This will affect your ability to sleep, and can increase your loved one’s risk of health problems, depression, illness, and injury. When you and your loved one are both exhausted, it will be harder to make sure they are getting the care they need.

Refusal to Take Medication

As your loved one’s condition progresses, they are more likely to refuse to take their medication. This can increase the risk of worsening Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms as well as sundowning symptoms.

When this happens, it’s crucial to involve your loved one’s physician. They can help you find ways to improve medication adherence and determine when it’s time to consider around-the-clock care.

Ignoring Personal Hygiene, Bathing, or Grooming

Sundowning can cause your loved one to refuse to take care of personal hygiene tasks. They may refuse to bathe or groom themselves, wear the same clothes every day, or soil themselves.

An in-home caregiver can offer help with these tasks and assist you with protecting your loved one’s safety and comfort.

Neglecting Pets

If your loved one has pets, they may be at risk of neglect due to worsening Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms or sundowning symptoms. If you notice that pets are losing weight, aren’t groomed or bathed, or look like they aren’t being cared for, you should intervene immediately.

Hallucinations, Paranoia, and Delusion

Sundowning can cause very serious mental health symptoms. Your loved one may see and hear things that aren’t there, or have delusions or paranoia.

They may think that people are out to get them, or accuse you or their caregiver of doing things like poisoning their food, switching their medications, monitoring them, or conspiring against them.

hese thoughts can be very powerful and dangerous, and can increase the risk of injury to your loved one and others in the home.

Tips for Hiring an In-Home Caregiver to Manage Dangerous Sundowning Symptoms

If you aren’t able to be with your loved one in the late afternoon or evening, it’s important to hire an in-home caregiver. If your loved one is demonstrating dangerous or more frequent sundowning symptoms, they are at risk of wandering away from the home, causing an accident, or becoming injured.

Hiring a home caregiver can protect your loved one and their home, and give you peace of mind. You should look for a caregiver with extensive experience in Alzheimer’s care and memory care. Here are some tips for managing home safety with the assistance of a caregiver:

Schedule a home safety evaluation to make sure the home is safe for your loved one.
Work with your caregiver and your loved one’s physician to design a daily care plan and routine.
Install a security system or smart home devices to alert you if a door or window is open.
Use home cameras to monitor your loved one throughout the day and evening if you aren’t home.
Alert neighbors and local police to your loved one’s condition and risk of wandering.
Remove any dangerous objects from your home, including knives, guns, and weapons.
Create a safety plan and brief the caregiver and your family on what to do if your loved one wanders away from the home.
Do research and educate yourself and loved ones on ways to manage your loved one’s personality changes, aggression, and condition.
Reduce noise and distractions in the home to create a more peaceful environment.
Stick to a consistent daily routine to encourage proper sleeping, eating, and memory care.
Reduce your loved one’s intake of sugar and caffeine, and do not allow them to drink alcohol.
Make sure your loved one gets a lot of natural light during the day.
Install smart lights or lights on timers that turn on automatically in the evening, but at dim levels.
Create a dark, quiet, and comfortable sleep environment for your loved one.
Recognize the warning signs of escalating Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms.
Work closely with your loved one’s physician to monitor their care and health and adjust their care plan as needed.
Monitor your loved one’s hygiene, nutrition, and medication to make sure they are properly cared for.
Regularly assess your loved one’s mood and mental health.
Know when to start talking to family members about making the transition into an assisted living Alzheimer’s care facility.

Call Placita In Home Care to Learn More About Our Alzheimer’s Care Services

Placita In Home Care offers highly personalized Alzheimer’s care and memory care services in Southern Arizona.

We are highly sensitive to the unique challenges that family members and family caregivers face when caring for a loved one with dementia. We will work closely with you and your loved one’s physician to design a care plan that protects your loved one’s health and safety.

To schedule a consultation to learn more about our dementia care services in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.