Sundowners Syndrome: Facts, Misconceptions, & Tips for Care

Sundowners syndrome,” “sundowning,” and other similar terms are commonly used in hospitals and long-term care environments when older patients become confused or agitated in the late afternoon, evening, or nighttime. But did you know that the whole concept of sundowning is somewhat controversial? This topic makes some caregivers and medical professionals uncomfortable for exactly that reason. They believe that opportunities for better care and treatment of patients with dementia may get missed due to this concept being too casually used to explain problematic behavior.

That’s why it’s essential to understand what sundowning is—and what it’s not. When you know how and why terminology like “sundown syndrome” gets applied (or misapplied) to various behaviors, you can take steps to improve the quality of life for the person you care about. This article will help clarify some of the popular misconceptions you may have encountered.

Read the entire article HERE for more detailed information.

This information provided courtesy of Great Senior Living.