Hi! I am new to this forum. My first of many questions since I am new to being a caregiver. My husband was my caregiver when I had ovarian cancer and it has matastisized 3 times since 2015 as I have the BRACA1 gene mutation. My CA125 has gone up to 31 so I am concerned how I will care for Mom.
Anyway, enough about me!
My question is what medication do you use for Sundowner's when you start seeing signs of Sundowner's?
Websites like https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/tips-coping-sundowning, and many others, can offer some insight for you. Just Google “sundowning”.
Some of the main reasons may be;
* Being overly tired or
* Unmet needs: hunger, thirst, pain, boredom
My son would turn in circles in the late evenings. Bored but no attention to engage in any task properly. Tired, hungry, fussy, clingy.
Sundowner's looks very similar to me.
Having a familiar routine, a familiar place of comfort is all I could provide then & is what I'd try now.
If tired, a favorite chair, throw rug, favorites photos to look at, calm music.
If mobility is good & wanting to wander & go, a short walk together outside looking at the garden?
What specfic problems happen at this time?
I too agree, you will not be able to care for Mom. If she has money, then place her in a nice Assisted Living. If no money find a nice LTC facility and get her on Medicaid.
Sundowning is a symptom for many with dementia. It can be a range of behaviors. For my mom it was agitation. To help with the symptom, mom's doc prescribed seroquel at 25 mg daily at about 4:00 pm. The dosage gradually increased to 75 mg, still once a day, over the course of three years. Then she was moved to a facility and I was not kept in the loop.