Managing Anger & Sundowners Syndrome in Loved Ones With Memory Loss
BRIGHTSTAR CARE MN
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Mar 19, 2023
Minnesota - Twin Cities Metro Area
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Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be physically and emotionally draining, especially when they have behavioral changes caused by their anxiety and confusion. Many advanced dementia patients lash out at their caregivers with unexpected aggression later in the day or at night. The phenomenon is referred to as Sundowners Syndrome or “sundowning” because the disruptive behavior usually occurs after the sun has gone down and feelings of paranoia, sadness, fear, or anger seep into the mind, sometimes accompanied by delusions or hallucinations. Sundowning is stressful for both persons living with dementia and their caregivers. However, our healthcare professionals are here to offer helpful tips for managing anger and Sundowners Syndrome in loved ones with memory loss.
One out of five dementia patients suffer from sundowning
Elder care presents many unique challenges to caregivers. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about your loved one’s late afternoon or nighttime mood swings, the most important thing to remember is that you aren’t alone. According to scientific studies, as many as one out of five people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia suffer from Sundowners Syndrome. Much mystery shrouds this condition, but experts believe the neurological changes caused by dementia affect the individual’s inner body clock. This confusion about the time of day often manifests itself in the person shouting, pacing, and acting in aggressive manners. Sadly, these anger issues tend to worsen as the person’s memory loss progresses.
Understand their anger isn’t directed at you or your actions
The first step to handling your loved one’s anger issues is to understand where this anger is coming from and recognize that it isn’t aimed at you or something you have necessarily done. Anger is usually caused by physical, emotional, or mental triggers. Your loved one may be angry because they cannot do the simplest tasks, such as tying their shoes or going to the grocery store. They could be experiencing physical fatigue, discomfort, or soreness you aren’t aware of, and they are unable to articulate how they are feeling.
Be aware that certain medications can cause behavioral side effects. Feelings of boredom or loneliness caused by their condition could also be the culprit for sudden outbursts. Memory loss and disorientation are often mental causes for aggression. Once you understand these underlying causes for your loved one’s anger, it may make it easier for you to cope and even avoid sources causing such behavior.
Observe what seems to trigger their aggressive behavior
Observing your loved one can provide valuable clues as to what’s prompting their aggressive behavior. Do they seem to lash out more when they’re hungry or haven’t had a restful night’s sleep? Sometimes, anger could be caused by overstimulation. Physical clutter, loud noises, bright lights, or lots of activity around them could cause this overstimulation. Consider light-blocking curtains to create a cozy atmosphere during the day, or on the flip side, surround your loved one with plenty of lights at night to alleviate fears when it’s time to go to sleep. Someone living with dementia may also become upset by anything that disrupts their day, such as diverting from their typical routine or switching caregivers. First-to-second shift rotations typically occur in the late afternoon or early evening hours at most group homes and could be the cause of disruptive patient behaviors.
Evaluate how you communicate with your loved one
Much of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is learning how to communicate with them. Always speak softly and slowly with easy-to-understand instructions. Try not to say too much or ask too many questions at once, as this could lead to overstimulation. People often pick up on feelings of uncertainty or irritability, so it’s crucial to remain calm and reassuring at all times. Even if your loved one lashes out at you verbally or physically, try not to get upset. Never react with force or violence. If they’re in a safe place or someone else can keep an eye on them, walk away from the situation and give yourself time to think and calm down.
Consider defusing the tension with music or activities
Often, you can defuse anger and tension with a relaxing activity, such as massage or music. Try to redirect your loved one’s attention to something other than what triggered the behavior. Try putting on your loved one’s favorite TV show, suggest taking a walk, or doing something else you know they enjoy.
Remember to be kind and empathetic at all times
Above all, remember to be kind and empathetic at all times when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. You care about this person and their well-being. They are suffering from a disease and often have little to no control over their thoughts, feelings, or actions. Never punish or reprimand them for bad behavior. It is not their fault, and they will likely not remember the scenario afterward. Seek help from their primary care physician or a support group to learn how to detect, defuse, and prevent angry outbursts.
Identify what caused the aggression so you can fix it
Try to figure out what happened right before the aggressive behavior, so you can take steps to correct it. Keeping a consistent log of your loved one’s behaviors and reactions can help you spot patterns and determine potential solutions. If you believe it’s the person’s diet, sleep pattern, surroundings, or medications, consult their physician to make adjustments as necessary to avoid anger triggered by these factors. Be on the lookout for any signs of discomfort or pain and seek immediate medical attention if you believe this is the cause of your loved one’s anger. Any time you are concerned about changes in your loved one’s behavior, habits, or moods, consult their primary care physician. They are there to provide professional support and information. Ask about the possibility of prescribing anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications to modify behavior.
Consider professional elder care from BrightStar Care®
It’s important to recognize when you need help with caring for your loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. BrightStar Care® has nurses, CNAs, and caregivers available around the clock to provide compassionate care in the comfort and familiar surroundings of home. Caring is more than a job to our nurses and caregivers – it’s their passion. Your family is our family! Contact us for help at 651-770-8427 or visit us at https://www.brightstarcare.com/locations/st-paul/
- To view the original version of this article visit seniorsbluebook.com/articles/Managing%20Anger%20&%20Sundowners%20Syndrome%20in%20Loved%20Ones%20With%20Memory%20Loss
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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Care ManagementWhen your aging parent begins to need additional support during the day, at night, or around the clock, that doesnt mean he or she needs to leave the home to go to an assisted living facility or nursing home. BrightStar Care of St. Paul offers 24-hour home care services when your loved one needs either continuous assistance in daily tasks or short-term help while recovering from medical procedures. Situations may vary, and no one client care plan fits all, but one thing is certain: our priority is to provide care and support for your loved one with the highest level of care.Is 24-Hour Home Care Right for Us?If your elderly parent or loved one lives alone and you are struggling to keep up with their needs and stressing yourself out, 24-hour home care can be a solution. It can be set up quickly and provides peace of mind and assurance for individuals who are recovering from an illness or injury, or who are experiencing a change in condition that requires someone to be available to provide assistance any time of day. Additionally, not all 24-hour care situations require permanent support. For instance, if youre caring for a loved one but dont want to leave him or her alone while you go out of town, BrightStar Care can provide 24-hour home care to assist with safety needs while living independently. There are many quality of life benefits for seniors who receive 24-hour home care, including:Aging in Place Seniors can feel fulfilled by living in their own homes longer, and couples dont need to be separated for care. They can feel safe in the comforts of home even when they can no longer manage tasks like housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation, or personal care.Safety From chronic health issues to memory loss, some seniors have conditions that put them at risk for falls or other safety concerns. Having a 24-hour care plan in place can assure your loved has the support they need to stay safe at home.Activities & Entertainment Many seniors have a difficult time continuing to do the things they love without extra help. A caregiver can help your loved one live a life he or she loves by facilitating activity time and helping with special hobbies and interests.Reduce Caregiver Burnout We know you love your aging parent, but you dont have to do this alone. Let our specialized caregivers be your daily eyes and ears to reduce the risk of family or personal stress.What is a Live-In Caregiver?A live-in caregiver resides in the clients home and provides consistent 1-on-1 help on a daily basis. They are trained in 24-hour care and are able to assist when your loved one has difficulty with daily functions like sleeping, bathing, eating, and bathroom (toileting) assistance. Additionally, they can provide hands-on personal care, manage the household, and assist with special activities. Based on your loved ones needs and location, BrightStar Care can arrange 24-hour live-in care. What 24-Hour Home Care Services Does BrightStar Care Provide?BrightStar Care of St. Paul specializes in providing 24-hour home care and meeting the specific health and personal needs of our clients. Our specially trained team of care professionals provides around-the-clock assistance with anything from assistance with daily tasks to post-procedure care and exercises to support their return to wellness. A BrightStar Care RN Director of Nursing will meet with you and your loved one to tailor a care plan to meet your loved ones specific personal and health-related needs. Our 24-hour home care services support the many facets of everyday life:Personal Care Our team assists with all aspects of personal life such as bathing, eating, dressing, and toileting.Emotional Care Our compassionate approach aims for caregivers to build a special trust with clients through meaningful activities, mentally-stimulating conversation, and overall companionship.Household Care As everyday tasks become more difficult for your loved one, we can assist with cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, and more.Skilled Nursing Care (available in most states) From medication assistance to home infusions to wound care, our experienced RNs and LPNs keep all of our clients health needs top of mind. Our Approach to 24-Hour Home CareOur goal is to provide the highest level of support and care for your loved one and give you and your family greater peace of mind. Whatever your situation may be, a BrightStar Care Registered Nurse will create a customized care plan, oversee our team of care professionals, and coordinate with your medical providers so everyone is always on the same page in regards to your loved ones needs.
BrightStar Care of Burnsville
Memory & Dementia CareIt can be heartbreaking to suspect or learn that your loved one has Alzheimers or dementia. As you begin to think about ways to keep them healthy, safe and happy, it may feel overwhelming, but you can turn to BrightStar Home Care Burnsville / South St Paul for guidance.The First SignsAlzheimers disease is a neurological disorder that often begins slowly with mild symptoms that gradually advance. Although some memory loss or changes in function are normal as we age, if symptoms move quickly or become more frequent, it could potentially indicate the onset of Alzheimers or another form of dementia.Here are some things to watch out for:The inability to remember words, details, directions, people and events. Difficulty performing simple tasks (such as nutrition, personal hygiene or grooming)Depression or lack of motivationForgetfulness and confusionUncharacteristic irritabilityPoor decision making or judgmentIts also important to note that those who have Alzheimers may be at a greater risk of falling or accidentally injuring themselves.Finding the Help You NeedBrightStar Home Care of Burnsville /South St Paul is here to answer your questions and create a plan that works for your loved one and the rest of the family. We know that most people are happier when theyre able to remain at home, especially since being in familiar surroundings can provide comfort and a sense of stability.Nurse-Led Care Delivers Quality and Peace of Mind. Our local Director of Nursing, a Registered Nurse (RN), will evaluate your loved one and their needs, as well as discuss your familys goals before putting together a customized plan of care. Our mission is to provide the individualized support needed for your loved one to:Live with dignity and purpose safely and securely in their own home.Maintain connections to the people, places, things, and memories that matter most to them.Enjoy optimal health and emotional well-being.The Director of Nursing provides ongoing oversight of our professional care staff and will periodically meet with you to make sure we are meeting your expectations. We have experienced dementia care staff who have undergone extensive background and credentials checks.Following our proprietary, science-backed Alzheimers and Dementia Care Path, our team is trained to better understand and manage dementia-specific behaviors, as well as recognize changes in your loved ones condition. Our caregivers are patient, gentle and empathetic, giving you peace of mind that your loved one will be treated with kindness and dignity. Responsive 24/7 Communication and Support. The knowledgeable team at BrightStar Home Care of Burnsville / South St Paul collaborates transparently with clients, family and healthcare providers. Our 24/7/30 touchpoints ensure that everyone remains informed and involved with the care of your loved one.Education and Support for Care PartnersWe are your partner in your loved ones care. We offer education for family members, including a wide range of materials that give insight into Alzheimers and dementia, along with self-care and wellness tips for family members. There is a wide range of effects of Alzheimers or dementia for each person, which means that needs vary greatly. Because BrightStar Home Care Burnsville / South St Paul provides a nurse-led care plan and we offer services across the spectrum of dementia, you can rest assured that our care will adapt to meet your loved ones changing needs. Our ultimate goal is to provide compassionate care at whatever level is needed so you can spend quality time with your loved one. We are proud to deliver person-centered Alzheimers and dementia care to help people in our community live with dignity in the comfort of their own home.
BrightStar Care of South Minneapolis
Non-MedicalWhat is In-Home Care?Focused on helping you or your loved ones remain safe and independent in their familiar surroundings, in-home care includes professional services ranging from companionship to skilled nursing. Our experienced and compassionate caregivers and nurses at BrightStar Home Care South Minneapolis Metro provide everything from companionship and routine personal care to in-home medical services like wound care, home infusion therapy and medication management.Types of In-Home CarePersonal CareCompanion CareSkilled NursingShort-Term Transitional CareAlzheimer's and Dementia CareChild CareCompare In-Home Care OptionsIt can be overwhelming to find the right type of in-home care services for your loved one. Learn more about the differences between our services, including companion care, personal care, short-term transitional care and skilled nursing care.*Why Choose BrightStar Home CareWith an emphasis on comprehensive person-centered care, our team at BrightStar Home Care South Minneapolis Metro is committed to helping clients maintain their independence in the home where they feel comfortable. In addition to industry-leading employee screening and training, we provide Registered Nurse (RN) oversight for every individualized plan of care, ensuring that your loved ones care evolves as needs change. Discover what makes BrightStar Home Care different.Contact UsInterested in learning more about our in-home care services in South Minneapolis Metro? Contact us online or call 952.300.3698 to speak to one of our care experts today. You can also visit us at https://www.brightstarcare.com/locations/south-minneapolis-metro/*Skilled nursing care availability varies based on location. Please contact us to learn more about our range of services.