GraceBrook Ltd "GraceBrook Care"

16/11/2025

Sometimes a person with dementia may become intensely distressed and agitated in the later afternoon or towards the end of the day. This is known as ‘sundowning.’

The symptoms may continue into the night, making it hard for them to get enough sleep, but they aren’t necessarily linked to the sun setting, or limited to the end of the day.

Sundowning can happen at any stage of dementia but is more common during the middle and later stages.

The reasons why sundowning happens are not well understood, but it is possible that a range of different causes makes it more likely. These might include:

Tiredness, hunger, pain or other unmet physical needs

Not enough exposure to sunlight during the day

Overstimulation during the day, such as from a noisy or busy environment

Disturbance to the person’s ‘body clock’ caused by damage to the brain

Disturbed levels of hormones that vary over the course of the day

Sensory impairment, such as hearing or sight loss

Tiredness in other people causing the person with dementia to become upset

Mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression

Fewer carers around to look after the person (in a care home)

Side effects of prescribed drugs

Sometimes what seems like ‘sundowning’ could be the person trying to communicate a need. This could be needing the toilet, feeling hungry or being in pain.

Uneven indoor lighting and reflective surfaces can sometimes cause confusion by creating disturbing shadows or mirrors.

Close the curtains or blinds once it starts to get dark and cover the television with a dust cover, if it’s not being used.

Think whether something that’s happened during the day has affected them.

If they remain agitated, it could be that they have a need that is not being met.

If they seem agitated, try to calm them by distracting them, perhaps talking about a favourite memory.

[Image description:
A light blue infographic with the title 'What causes sundowning?' centred infront of a yellow glow, surrounding by eight different illustrations depicting each cause, including: tiredness, hunger, pain, lack of sunlight, overstimulation, sensory impairment, body clock disturbance, prescribed drug side effects, mood disorders, and hormone level imbalances.]

07/07/2025

Wishing you a beauTEAful week from all of us at GraceBrook Care.

01/07/2025

Each month is a journey and so we wish you all safe and smooth travels.

20/05/2025

Richard Tanfield wrote this poem, called The Long Goodbye, about Dementia.

The poem reads:

It's often called "the long goodbye"
so many will agree
An illness which is all around
but sometimes hard to see

Dementia can be heartbreaking
for those who know too well
The sadness and the helplessness
their stories hard to tell

To see someone you've loved for years
just slowly fade away
The person who was full of life
not knowing what to say

A loved ones eyes, once full of joy
now empty and bemused
They once could look and recognise
but now look so confused

A relative or family friend
with whom you've shared so much
But now they don't know who you are
or recognise your touch

You see their pain when trying to do
the simple things in life
Like make a cup of tea, perhaps
or even use a knife

A simple trip to local shops
can be traumatic too
Confused with all the different coins
not knowing what to do

They once just took for granted
all the people in their life
Where now they fail to recognise
their husband or their wife

Of course, if you've not been around
someone with this disease
How are you meant to understand
just what that person sees?

Some people just don't understand
or recognise the signs
It's not their fault, they just don't know
so fail to lend a hand

Perhaps more understanding
may be one thing we could do
To recognise some symptoms
and perhaps know what to do

So if someone displays the signs
then why not take the lead
Your patience and your tolerance
may well be all they need

20/05/2025

20/05/2025

03/04/2025

As the cost of living increases, we've put together some top tips to help you stay fire safe while you're trying to reduce the cost of heating or lighting your home.

28/02/2025

We are currently hiring passionate individuals for Home Care roles in our organisation. If you got what we are looking for and ready to work in a team of care professionals that loves what they do, kindly follow the instructions on the flyer and start your application today.

20/12/2024

Wishing you and your loved ones the joy of this season. Merry Christmas to you from our hearts.

08/10/2024

We are not only compassionately courageous in providing excellent care services, we are also conscientiously consistent and the reason why our service users consider us to be the best!

10/08/2024

Did you know that language and communication difficulties are common symptoms of dementia? 💬

Making small adaptations to how we communicate can help to prevent confusion, misunderstandings and frustration.

Here are some of our top tips for better communication:
🖼️ Use pictures to explain what you're saying
🗣️ Speak slowly, clearly and in short sentences
🕰️ Give them plenty of time to answer
❓ Avoid open-ended questions

What advice would you add? Let us know in the comments.

For more communication tips, visit our website: https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/living-with-dementia/tips-for-communication/?utm_campaign=advice&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

08/08/2024