27/08/2026
Sundowning can make late afternoons and evenings really tough for people living with dementia. As the day winds down, confusion or agitation can rise - sometimes because of something that happened earlier, sometimes because a need isn’t being met. Gentle reassurance, distraction, and familiar memories can help bring them back to a calmer place.
Here are 3 tips to help you navigate a loved one experiencing sundowning:
1. Sometimes what seems like ‘sundowning’ could be the person trying to communicate a need. This could be needing the toilet, feeling hungry or being in pain.
2. Uneven indoor lighting and reflective surfaces can sometimes cause confusion by creating disturbing shadows or mirrors. Close the curtains or blinds once it starts to get dark and cover the television with a dust cover, if it’s not being used.
3. If they seem unsettled, think about whether something earlier in the day may have affected them. Try calming them with distraction - like talking about a favourite memory. If they stay agitated, they may have an unmet need.
If you’re supporting someone through this, you’re doing an incredible job. 💙
