Normal sundowning responds well to a multi-faceted approach which is easy to put into place and rewards consistency by working well.
First, the caregiver notes the time and format of the sundowning. For example, suppose Mildred gets restless and agitated each afternoon at about 3pm, becoming calm again at about 5pm — just in time for early dinner. Her sundowning involves weeping insistence on seeing her mother. She berates her caregiver, sometimes she paces.
How could a caregiver help Mildred?
1. Ensure that Mildred has an after-lunch snack and drinks juice and water about an hour before sundowning begins;
2. Calm the environment itself by diffusing pure essential oil of lavender throughout the afternoon. This is notably successful in care units, failing only because staff do not consistently use it. It is also effective to have either age-appropriate music or something very soothing playing.
3. Apply the care-plan made for Mildred to help her through sundowning. This could be Kleenex and family photos, being taken for a drive, watching a favorite dvd, redirection to making cookies — whatever works.
4. If Mildred can’t be calmed, redirected or bribed into something else, then sitting with her or walking with her while she vents her feelings is also fine.