Sundown is usually time to
wind down and embrace the peaceful restoration that comes with night. For 20% of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, however, sundown means just the
opposite. They experience a phenomenon known as sundown syndrome when expectations and energy levels rise to greet new excitement
and activities. Caregivers reluctantly face another nightly challenge of
interrupted or nonexistent sleep caused by constant monitoring. When sleep does come, worries about the
safety of loved ones invade their dreams.
While
adult day care programs are popular, many people could benefit greatly if they
had more night care support designed
for people who are living at home and require constant supervision during the
night. ElderServ at Night, located at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale in New York, is such a
program. They accept Medicaid, and they also
have a day program.
Adult night care is particularly helpful for people who suffer with sundown syndrome or other sleep disturbances that keep them awake during the night when
they may become anxious and fearful without activities to keep them occupied. The night care program
relieves caregivers of stress and allows them to sleep well knowing that their
loved ones are being cared for throughout the night. This video showcases ElderServ at Night.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban
Nursing Homes is available in
paperback and e-book editions at many booksellers in America and other countries. Two online booksellers are
Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
