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When he wakes up sometimes five or six times a night, he is confused,thinks it is time to get up and get dressed. We finally had to get a catheter because he was always wetting himself and the bed. Now he just has a little trouble with his bowels. My niece has been staying nights to help out. Mom is rather deaf and a very sound sleeper, so doesn't always her Dad get up. Everyone is getting very exhausted doing this night after night. Dad still has pretty good memory of people and places. Mostly motor skills are getting bad. Where do we find someone to help
2or3 nights a week?

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There are many good in-home care agencies. Most of them work around the hours you need. Some are franchises (such as Home Instead and Comfort Keepers). Others are local. It really doesn't matter as long as the agency has a good reputation. I'd ask for references. Then tell them your needs. I'm sure you can find someone who can handle staying nights for your dad.

One idea to help cut down one the sundowning (it doesn't always work) is to wear him out pleasantly during the day. Adult day care is a good way to do this. He'd have activities and make friends and that may - just may - help him sleep better.

This is tough, I know. I hope you find a way through this so you can all get some sleep. AD is a moving target so sundowning may not last forever, but he'll have other issues. It's good to involve other caregivers so you can learn about them.

Take care,
Carol
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My Dad was diagnosed in February 2010. He also sundowns. Sometimes it may be four or five days in a row. Sometimes its four or five days between episodes. It usually starts right after dinner, but my Mom always knows when its going to happen because he is very restless during the day and his posture becomes very hunched. Dad's "evening" sundowning usually starts right after dinner and continues until bedtime. Sometimes its not so bad, other times he wanders the house so much that his shirt and undershirt become sopping wet with sweat and he can barely move anymore. Sometimes it helps if he goes for a walk after supper. He can usually make 5,6,7 laps of the driveway before becoming tired, and this at times helps with the sundowning. Various people have told me he needs to be prescribed something to help with the sundowning, but he always has terrible reactions to drugs, and we don't want to add another one to what he already takes. I would say if your Dad isn't hurting himself or becoming violent or beligerent that you just let him be. I know its hard sometimes, and they can get so fixated or obsessed with something while they're sundowning, but he's really not hurting anything and will eventually wear himself out.
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