Signs your loved one may need extra support at home in Farnham
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This can feel sudden and distressing, especially for families who may feel unsure how to respond. If evenings are becoming more challenging, you are not alone.
This pattern is commonly known as sundowning, and there are ways to make this time of day feel calmer and more manageable.
Sundowning is often more noticeable in the middle or later stages of dementia, but many families begin searching for answers shortly after a diagnosis.
If your loved one has recently been diagnosed, you may also find it helpful to read our guide on supporting someone newly diagnosed with dementia.
What is sundowning?
Sundowning, sometimes called late-day confusion, refers to increased confusion, agitation or changes in behaviour that happen in the late afternoon or evening.
It is common in people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Signs of sundowning can include:
- Increased confusion
- Restlessness or pacing
- Anxiety or fearfulness
- Irritability or frustration
- Wanting constant reassurance
- Difficulty settling or sleeping
For families, this can often feel like a sudden change, especially if the day has been relatively calm.
Why does sundowning happen?
There is no single cause, but several factors can contribute to sundowning in dementia.
These include:
- Tiredness at the end of the day
- Changes in light and increased shadows
- Hunger or dehydration
- Overstimulation earlier in the day
- Disruption to routine
- Difficulty processing surroundings
As natural light fades, familiar environments can start to feel unfamiliar. This can increase anxiety and lead to changes in behaviour.
Understanding that this is part of the condition, rather than something your loved one is choosing to do, can help you respond with patience and reassurance.
How to support someone with sundowning at home
While sundowning cannot always be prevented, small changes can make a meaningful difference.
1. Keep evenings calm and predictable
Routine is reassuring. Try to:
- Keep meal times consistent
- Reduce background noise such as television or radio
- Avoid busy or stimulating activities late in the day
- Maintain familiar evening habits
A calm, predictable environment can help reduce anxiety.
2. Adjust lighting and surroundings
As daylight fades, gradually increase indoor lighting to reduce shadows.
Closing curtains before it gets dark can help prevent reflections that may cause confusion. Soft, warm lighting can also create a more relaxed atmosphere.
3. Support rest, food and hydration
Fatigue and low energy can make symptoms worse.
Encourage gentle rest during the day, while avoiding long late afternoon naps that may affect sleep later on. Regular meals and staying hydrated can also help stabilise mood and energy levels.
4. Offer calm reassurance
When someone is experiencing sundowning, how you respond matters.
- Speak gently and clearly
- Offer simple reassurance
- Avoid correcting or arguing
- Redirect attention to something familiar or comforting
Sometimes, simply sitting together quietly can help someone feel safe.
When evenings start to feel overwhelming
For many families, late afternoons and evenings can become the most difficult part of the day.
You may begin to feel anxious as the day goes on, unsure how your loved one will be feeling or how to respond if things escalate.
This is often the point where additional dementia support at home can make a real difference.
How specialist dementia care can help
At GoodOaks Homecare, our specialist dementia care is designed to support families during the moments that matter most, including the more challenging times of day.
Our Care Professionals are trained to understand behaviours such as sundowning and respond in a calm, supportive and structured way.
They can help to:
- Recognise early signs of agitation
- Maintain consistent and reassuring routines
- Reduce anxiety through calm interaction
- Support safety in the home
- Provide reassurance to both the individual and their family
Whether through visiting care at key times of day or more comprehensive live-in care, having experienced support in place can help evenings feel more settled and predictable.
You can learn more about our specialist dementia care at home and how we support families every day.
You are not alone
If your loved one seems more confused or anxious in the evening, it does not mean you are doing anything wrong.
Sundowning is a common part of dementia for many people. With understanding, small adjustments and the right support, it can often be managed more effectively.
How we can help
If evenings are becoming more challenging, you do not have to manage this alone.
At GoodOaks Homecare, we provide specialist dementia care that supports both the individual and their family, with flexible care that can be tailored around the times of day you need it most.
Whether you are looking for a little extra support or more regular care, our team is here to help you find the right approach.
Get in touch with your local GoodOaks team to talk through your situation and explore the support available.
