Those with dementia may often get agitated and experience sundowning, which can make it challenging for loved ones to handle. But with quality memory care in Covington, LA, at Sage Lake, they can thrive with structured routines, trained staff and 24/7 support, and a calm environment.
According to the National Institutes of Health, dementia affects over 6 million Americans. Also, it's projected that the number of new dementia cases will double over the next four decades, meaning that it'll jump from around 514,000 in 2020 to around 1 million in 2060. So it's very likely that a loved one or two of yours will be affected.
It's a challenge to handle those with dementia on your own, especially if you don't have any specialized training or experience. A better option is to seek memory care in Covington, LA, where the staff and surroundings are optimized for things like sundowning and agitation.
People with dementia get agitated because they have changes in the brain that affect memory, judgment, and the ability to communicate their needs. So agitation and memory loss are closely related.
When your loved one can't express things like discomfort, fear, or confusion, then agitation becomes a natural response. Also, environmental triggers can overwhelm them, which can then also cause agitation.
As the day goes on, older adults get more fatigued. As a result, it's harder for their brains to process information, so this adds to the agitation.
Now that you understand what may cause agitation in dementia, you may be wondering how to help decrease it. Having the right emotional tools in care can make all the difference.
The most important thing is to create a predictable and soothing environment. In addition, you should respond to behaviors with empathy.
The first step you can take is to identify triggers. For instance, if noise, clutter, or overstimulation upsets your loved one, then either minimize or eliminate them if possible. Don't forget about physical comfort either.
You should also maintain a consistent routine. This will make your beloved senior feel secure and less overwhelmed.
Most importantly, you should validate their feelings. Don't correct their feelings, as this can escalate things. And when you're speaking to them, don't rush or give complex instructions.
As you can see, dementia can come with sundowning and agitation, which can be distressing for everyone involved. But if you choose dementia care in Covington, LA with Sage Lake, you can experience calm and peace of mind, and your loved one will be well taken care of through the following methods.
Our Vibrant Life® program allows residents to build personalized daily schedules. When dementia residents are in full control of picking what they do and when, this can decrease anxiety.
Our activities are designed to give a good mix of the following types of engagement:
Every day will have predictability and purpose.
Our memory care program has highly trained and compassionate staff members. They take your loved one's safety seriously, which is why they're always around 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
They know exactly how to talk to those with dementia, and they also know how to handle tough situations. Not only can they respond promptly, but also empathetically.
Their actions can:
We have many activities to keep our memory care residents engaged and thriving, but that's not all. We emphasize a calm environment where their well-being is completely supported.
For example, they can enjoy an apartment designed for senior living. The living spaces are spacious and bright, and there's even private dining for family and friends.
Vitamin D can help with sundowning in seniors since it can influence:
It can also be beneficial since many older adults have low vitamin D levels, as they have limited sun exposure or a less-than-optimal diet.
Do note that vitamin D isn't a cure. However, maintaining healthy levels can complement other interventions. They include:
Of course, you should always consult your doctor for testing and personalized supplementation guidance. That way, you can avoid excessive intake or interactions with any current medications or health conditions.
It may be difficult to calm dementia patients at night, but it's entirely possible. You'll need a combination of:
Start by maintaining a consistent bedtime schedule. This can reduce anxiety and confusion.
Also, the room should be quiet and dimly lit. Shadows can cause misinterpretations that trigger agitation, so try to minimize them.
To support relaxation, use:
Should your loved one wake up disoriented, respond with reassurance rather than correction.
Sundowner syndrome support mainly involves stabilizing the senior's daily rhythm and minimizing triggers. For example, memory-friendly schedules can help reduce stimulation. And bright-light exposure during the morning and afternoon can help with the sleep-wake cycle.
As evening approaches, you should ensure they're in a calm environment. To ease anxiety, have:
Behavioral strategies you can use to prevent escalation are:
If your loved one is dealing with dementia, you don't have to go through it alone. Sage Lake is here with quality memory care in Covington, LA, and we can help you give them the best support possible.
Our staff members understand dementia thoroughly, and they can provide kind and caring companionship. In addition, our memory care program is designed to focus on our residents' strengths, so your loved one will definitely thrive here.
At Sage Lake, we have weekly housekeeping and linen service to give our residents relief from draining household tasks. To hear more about senior living in Covington, LA, get in touch with us today.