Managing Wandering & Sundowning: Practical Tips for Dementia Caregivers

Caring for a senior loved one with dementia presents unique challenges, with wandering and sundowning being common behaviors that can cause stress for caregivers. Understanding these behaviors and learning effective strategies can help you create a safer and calmer environment for both you and your loved one.

Learn about Wandering & Its Causes

Wandering is a frequent behavior in individuals with dementia, often resulting from confusion, restlessness, or a desire to fulfill unmet needs. Common causes include: 

• Memory loss – Forgetting their current location or where they were trying to go 

• Anxiety or stress – Feeling overwhelmed or needing to escape a situation 

• Boredom – A lack of stimulation prompting exploration 
• Searching for someone or something – Trying to find a familiar person, place, or object

Recognizing the root cause behind wandering can help you tailor strategies to reduce its frequency and risks. 

The type of elderly home care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Lifestar Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.

Create a Safe Environment

Ensuring safety is key to managing wandering in individuals with dementia. Consider these steps to prepare your home or care space: 

• Secure exits and hazards – Install childproof locks or alarms on doors and windows to deter unsupervised exits. 

• Clear potentially dangerous areas – Lock away hazardous items like sharp tools, medications, and chemicals. 

• Add identification tools – Have your loved one wear an ID bracelet with contact information in case he or she does wander off. 
• Monitor movements – Consider using GPS tracking devices to locate your loved one quickly if he or she leaves. 

This proactive approach can reduce the risks associated with wandering and provide you with peace of mind. 

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Oklahoma City families can turn to Lifestar Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.

Take Steps to Manage Sundowning

Sundowning refers to a heightened state of confusion, agitation, or restlessness that occurs in the late afternoon or evening. Managing this phenomenon often involves creating routines and reducing potential triggers. Strategies include: 

• Maintaining a consistent schedule – Regular routines for meals, relaxation, and activities can minimize confusion. 

• Limiting stimulants – Avoid caffeine and sugar, especially in the late afternoon or evening. 

• Creating a calm environment – During the evening, reduce noise, dim bright lights, and encourage soothing activities. 
• Maximizing daylight exposure – Ensure your loved one gets plenty of natural light during the day, which can regulate his or her internal clock. 

Small adjustments to daily habits and surroundings can significantly reduce the effects of sundowning. 

Engage in Meaningful Activities

Providing engaging and meaningful activities during the day can reduce restlessness and agitation associated with both wandering and sundowning. Suggestions include: 

• Physical activities – Light exercises or walks to reduce excess energy 

• Mental stimulation – Puzzles, simple crafts, or reminiscing with photo albums 
• Purposeful tasks – Small chores like folding towels or organizing items can provide a sense of accomplishment.

These activities can reduce boredom and anxiety, keeping your loved one more settled and content. 

Communicate with Empathy

Effective communication is an essential tool in managing dementia-related behaviors like wandering and sundowning. Keep these tips in mind when speaking with your loved one: 

• Stay calm – Speak in a soothing and reassuring tone to ease agitation. 

• Use simple phrases – Clear, concise instructions are easier to understand. 

• Acknowledge your loved one’s feelings – Validate your loved one’s emotions and offer comfort, even if something seems illogical to you. 
• Redirect attention – Gently guide your loved one’s focus to a calming activity or topic when he or she appears upset. 

By fostering empathy and patience, you can help your loved one feel more understood and supported.

Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Oklahoma City families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Lifestar Home Care today.