As people age, they are confronted with different physical and cognitive issues related to the aging process.  One of the cognitive issues that seniors may experience is Sundown Syndrome, or “sundowning". The term "sundowning" refers to a state of confusion occurring in the late afternoon and spanning into the night. Fortunately, by understanding the condition and making the necessary adjustments, you can keep your loved one happy and comfortable. Here is a little more information about Sundown Syndrome, and how your loved one’s assisted living can help. 

Understanding Sundown Syndrome

What Is Sundown Syndrome?

Often, seniors who struggle with degenerative memory issues can find everyday occurrences nerve wracking or even scary, which is why something as simple as the sun going down could trigger issues. Sundown Syndrome, also referred to as “sundowning,” can cause people with memory issues to become confused, agitated, or even angry when the sun starts to set in the evening. 

While the cause of sundowning is still being studied, researchers suspect the issue may relate to a person’s internal “body clock.” Sun changes could make people struggle more with reality during times of low light. 

What Do You Need to Know to Help Your Loved One?   

Assisted living communities can help reduce and sometimes prevent problems caused by sundowning. They do this by making sure daily routines are kept. You can also increase the number of lights in darker rooms and control noise in the evening to soothe frustration. If you have noticed that your loved one seems to struggle in the late afternoon or early evenings, talk with their assisted living provider about how their sundowning symptoms are being managed. 

If you have questions about how to improve your senior loved one’s day-to-day life, turn to the assisted living team at Liberty Village Senior Community, an Abbington Community, in Chillicothe, OH, for answers. With a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and fulfilling atmosphere for seniors, this family-owned and -operated facility has four other convenient locations, including Abbington of Arlington, Abbington of Pickerington, Abbington of Powell, and Windsorwood Place (Coshocton, Ohio). Learn more about their business today by visiting Abbington’s website, or by giving them a call at (740) 773-4630.