What is Sundowners Syndrome?
If you’ve noticed your loved one with dementia becomes more confused, anxious or agitated later in the day, you’re not imagining it. This pattern of behavioral changes in the afternoon or evening is called sundowners syndrome, a common and often challenging aspect of dementia.
Understanding what sundowning is and how assisted living and memory care communities like those offered by LSS Senior Living can help— can often bring relief, clarity and peace of mind.
This article will help you learn more about the symptoms of sundowners dementia and the role of assisted living and memory care communities in supporting people with dementia and their loved ones.
What causes sundowners syndrome?
Sundowners syndrome, or sundowning, describes a pattern of symptoms that typically emerge late in the day for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Its symptoms can include:
- Increased confusion or disorientation
- Agitation, restlessness or pacing
- Mood swings or anxiety
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Trouble sleeping
The exact cause of sundowning isn’t fully known, but it is often linked to changes in the body’s internal clock, especially as the brain is affected by dementia.
Other triggers such as fatigue, low lighting, unfamiliar surroundings or overstimulation can also increase the likelihood of sundowning behaviors.
Learn more about dementia’s stages and symptoms in our helpful blog.
How assisted living and memory care communities help
When sundowners dementia begins to affect your loved one’s quality of life—or your own—assisted living with memory support or dedicated memory care may be a helpful and supportive next step.
These communities offer a structured, safe and reassuring environment designed to reduce late-day confusion and improve emotional well-being. They’re dedicated to caring for and enriching the lives of their senior residents.
Senior living communities like LSS Kensington Place in Columbus and LSS The Good Shepherd in Ashland, Ohio, offer a continuum of care for families in need of extra support.
Our communities and their services support seniors’ quality of life through:
Calming, secure environments
Soothing lighting, familiar surroundings, easy-to-navigate layouts and supportive design features help reduce feelings of disorientation and overstimulation as the days wind down.
Personalized routines
Consistent daily rhythms and evening activities help promote relaxation and calm, while preparing our residents for restful sleep.
Skilled, compassionate caregivers
LSS Senior Living team members are trained in dementia care strategies, including how to respond calmly to sundowning behaviors with patience and reassurance and approach residents with kindness, understanding and compassion at all times.
Support that evolves with your loved one’s needs
As dementia progresses, residents can transition seamlessly from assisted living to memory care within the same LSS Senior Living community, minimizing disruption and providing continued emotional security.
Caregiver tips for managing sundowning symptoms
If your loved one is still living at home, or if you want to discover ways to more effectively support and connect with them at all times of day, there are steps you can take to reduce sundowning symptoms.
Ideas include:
- Keep routines and bedtime schedules consistent
- Avoid overstimulation later in the day
- Use soft, warm lighting in the evenings
- Limit caffeine and long daytime naps
- Offer reassurance and avoid correcting confusion
- Try incorporating calming music or aromatherapy
While these approaches can help, many caregivers find that professional support makes a meaningful difference when symptoms become harder to manage alone.
LSS Senior Living supports seniors and their families
Sundowners syndrome can be a challenging aspect of dementia care, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Lutheran Social Services’ assisted living and memory care communities are designed to offer structure, peace of mind and personalized support every step of the way.
Visiting our Ohio senior living communities in person for a tour is a great way to experience our welcoming environments firsthand and see how we care for our residents each day.
Whether you’re just starting to explore care options or actively seeking assisted living or memory care in Columbus or Ashland, Ohio, our team is here to guide you.
Download our brochure to learn more about LSS Senior Living’s memory support and assisted living services and discover how we can help you and your loved one find comfort, connection, and compassionate care.
