Sundowning can make late afternoons and evenings feel tough for you and your loved one. Confusion, pacing, and agitation often rise as daylight fades. Sundowning is common in dementia and in Memory Care in Tacoma at The Village Senior Living.
Worldwide, an estimated 55 million people live with dementia, and this number may rise to about 139 million by 2050. Many of these families face Sundowning every day. You cannot eliminate sundowning, but you can mitigate its impact with routines, activities, and the right care setting.
This guide shares practical activities to combat Sundowning, along with ways Memory Care in Tacoma at The Village supports you.
What Sundowning Means for Your Family
Sundowning refers to the worsening of dementia symptoms in the late afternoon or evening.
You may notice your loved one:
- Becomes more confused after 3 or 4 p.m.
- Paces, checks doors, or tries to leave
- Repeats questions or calls out
- Seems afraid or suspicious
- Sees or hears things that are not there
- Has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Studies suggest Sundowning affects a significant share of people living with dementia, with reported rates that range from about 20% to more than half, depending on the setting and criteria.
Sundowning can be stressful for both you and your loved one. The goal in Memory Care in Tacoma is to lower triggers and respond in a calm, steady way.
Why Sundowning Happens in Dementia
Researchers have not found a single cause for Sundowning. They see several factors that often mix together.
Common contributors to sundowning include:
- Changes in the brain’s internal clock and circadian rhythm
- Mental and physical fatigue after a full day
- Less daylight and stronger shadows
- Vision and hearing changes
- Pain, infections, or chronic medical issues
- Sleep problems such as sleep apnea or fragmented sleep
- Side effects or timing of medications
As light changes and fatigue grows, the brain has a harder time filtering sounds and sights. This can fuel confusion and Sundowning behaviors.
Because many factors are involved, activities that support sleep, reduce stress, and build safety cues can help you manage Sundowning in a direct way.
Elements to Consider Before Choosing Sundowning Activities
Activities to combat Sundowning work best when they match the person. Before you plan, think about:
- Physical abilities
Can your loved one walk safely, sit up, use their hands, or see small items - Stage of dementia
The early stage may allow more complex tasks; the later stage may need simple sensory steps. - Daily routine
Wake time, naps, bedtime, and meal patterns. - Past interests
Hobbies, music, work history, family traditions, and faith - Care setting
Home or Memory Care in Tacoma, group size, and staff support
Activities that help with Sundowning are usually:
- Predictable and consistent
- Simple, with clear steps
- Linked to familiar interests
- Flexible enough to adjust on hard days
At The Village Memory Care in Tacoma, our Memory Care team reviews these elements with you. They use them to build each resident’s Personalized Service Plan and Negotiated Service Plan.
Daytime Routines to Help Sundowning
Experts recommend non-drug steps as the first line for Sundowning. These include regular schedules, light exposure, and sleep support.
Keep a Steady Daily Schedule
A predictable day can lower anxiety and Sundowning behaviors.
Try to:
- Keep wake time within the same one-hour window each day.
- Serve meals at the same time.
- Schedule bathing and dressing in the morning or late morning.
- Keep late afternoons calmer, with fewer demands.
Consistency gives your loved one simple cues. It also helps you plan Sundowning activities at the best times.
Use Light and Environment to Support the Body Clock
Light is a powerful signal for the brain. Some studies suggest that bright light can improve mood and sleep in individuals with dementia, although the results vary and the benefits depend on the timing and intensity.
You can:
- Open curtains or blinds each morning
- Encourage 30 minutes of outdoor activity or exposure to bright light before noon.
- Use softer lamps in the evening instead of harsh overhead lights.
- Place nightlights in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom
If you want to try bright light devices, consult with your healthcare provider first, especially in a Memory Care setting in Tacoma, so staff can support your plan.
Support Better Sleep
Poor sleep can exacerbate sundowning, and Sundowning can disrupt sleep.
Simple sleep habits that help:
- Limit caffeine after lunch.
- Keep naps short and end them before 3 p.m.
- Create a short bedtime routine with the same steps every night.
- Keep the bedroom cool and quiet, with one small nightlight for safety.
Inform the provider if you notice loud snoring, gasping, or frequent nighttime awakenings. Sleep disorders are common in dementia and often worsen Sundowning symptoms.
12 Activities to Combat Sundowning for Seniors With Dementia
The activities below focus on four goals:
- Reduce agitation and anxiety from Sundowning.
- Support safe movement
- Spark connection and meaning
- Promote more restful nights.
Start with two or three activities. Use them at similar times each day for at least one to two weeks before you judge the effect.
Creative Activities for Sundowning
Creative activities give a sense of success and control. Research suggests that arts and activity programs can improve mood and behavior in dementia.
1. Simple Crafts and Art
Use basic supplies that feel easy and safe:
- Large crayons or markers
- Watercolor paints with thick brushes.
- Stickers and pre-cut paper shapes
Keep steps short. Offer one choice at a time. At The Village Senior Living, many Life Enrichment programs use small group art to give structure at the end of the day.
2. Knitting and Handwork
If your loved one enjoyed knitting, sewing, or similar tasks, simple handwork can help ease Sundowning restlessness.
Ideas:
- Knit a basic scarf with chunky yarn.
- Sew large buttons onto fabric.
- Wind yarn into balls or sort thread spools
Stay close for safety. Focus on the calming motion, not on a perfect result.
3. Personalized Photo Puzzles
Turn a favorite picture into a puzzle:
- Copy and laminate a family photo or a picture of a meaningful place.
- Cut it into a few large pieces.
- Place the pieces on a tray and assemble the puzzle.
As you work, talk about the people or place in the photo. This combines a Sundowning activity with gentle reminiscence.
Sensory Activities for Sundowning
In later stages of dementia, senses often stay stronger than language and reasoning. Sensory activities can improve behavior and emotional state for a short time.
4. Gentle Hand Massage and Lotion
A slow, caring touch can help lower Sundowning anxiety.
You can:
- Pick unscented or lightly scented lotion.
- Warm lotion in your hands first
- Massage hands and forearms with smooth strokes
Watch for any signs of discomfort. If your loved one pulls away, stop.
5. Calming Culinary Tasks
Food-based activities bring together smell, touch, and taste.
Try simple tasks:
- Washing or drying lettuce
- Stirring batter in a bowl
- Rolling cookie dough into balls
- Smelling herbs like basil, cinnamon, or rosemary
If you live far from The Village, you can still apply these steps at home. In Memory Care in Tacoma, staff often use low-risk kitchen tasks as structured activities to help manage sundowning before dinner.
6. Laundry and Sorting Activities
Folding and sorting can give purpose during Sundowning.
Offer:
- A basket with hand towels or washcloths
- Socks to match
- Plastic cups to stack or sort
These tasks are familiar and repeatable. They keep their hands busy and can reduce aimless pacing.
Social Connecting Activities for Sundowning
Sundowning often feels worse when someone feels alone or useless. Social connection helps many residents in Memory Care in Tacoma feel more stable.
7. Small Group Games
Use games with simple rules and short rounds:
- Card games with large print cards
- Dominoes
- Easy bingo games
- Large piece puzzles
Focus on playing, not on scoring. In Assisted Living at The Village, staff adapt games so residents can join, even with memory or vision changes.
8. Community and Family Rituals
Rituals mark time and help reduce Sundowning confusion.
Ideas:
- Tea or cocoa at the same time each afternoon
- Short prayer or reading at dusk
- A family call on certain days during the early evening
Keep the ritual brief and peaceful. Over time, this can act as a cue that evening has started and that your loved one is safe.
9. Outdoor Walks and Garden Time
If safe, a brief time outside can help. Sunlight, fresh air, and physical movement all support a positive mood.
You can:
- Walk 5 to 15 minutes on a familiar path.
- Sit together on a bench and watch the trees or the birds.
- Water plants with a small watering can
Always watch for fall risk and wandering. At The Village, Memory Care in Tacoma, residents enjoy secure outdoor spaces where they can bask in the fresh air with staff nearby.
Memory and Music Activities for Sundowning
Many people with dementia recall older memories more clearly than recent ones. Memory and music activities utilize that strength and can help alleviate sundowning symptoms.
10. Reminiscence With Photos and Keepsakes
Use:
- Photo albums
- Wedding or anniversary pictures
- Travel souvenirs
- Old postcards or recipe cards
Ask open questions such as “Tell me about this day” instead of quizzing them. This supports dignity and reduces stress.
11. Familiar Music and Singing
Music therapy has been shown in several reviews to reduce agitation in people living with dementia.
Practical tips for Sundowning:
- Build a playlist of songs from their teens and early adult years.
- Play it in the late afternoon, at a low volume.
- Sing along gently if your loved one enjoys it.
- Avoid loud or fast music at night.
At The Village in Tacoma, Memory Care staff often incorporate calm music and singing groups into evening activities.
12. Mealtime Routines and Evening Traditions
Regular mealtimes act as anchors in the day.
You can:
- Serve dinner at the same time daily.
- Use the same table setup to build a sense of routine.
- Add a short tradition, such as a simple blessing or “one good thing” from the day.
In Memory Care in Tacoma, dining rooms remain calm, and staff support residents who Experience Sundowning during meals with gentle prompts and consistent seating.
How to Respond During a Sundowning Episode
Even with strong routines and activities, Sundowning episodes will still occur. Your focus is safety and reassurance.
You can:
- Stay calm
Keep your voice soft and even. - Use simple, reassuring words.
Short phrases work best, such as “You are safe” or “I am here with you.” - Validate feelings, then redirect
Try “You feel worried. You are safe with me. Let us sit for a bit.” Then guide them to a chair, snack, or activity. - Offer a simple task
Hand them a towel to fold or invite them to look at a photo. - Check basic needs
Ask about pain, hunger, thirst, or the bathroom. Many Sundowning episodes ease once a need is met.
If aggression or unsafe behavior happens often, or if you feel at risk, talk with your health care provider. Many experts recommend non-drug strategies first, with medications considered only after a careful review of risks and benefits.
Caring for Yourself While You Support Sundowning
Sundowning in dementia affects you as much as your loved one. Caring for someone with dementia often takes many hours each week and can strain sleep, work, and relationships.
You can:
- Share evening routines with another family member or friend
- Take short breaks to stretch, breathe, or step outside.
- Join a caregiver support group in Tacoma or online.
- Inform your healthcare provider about your sleep, mood, and physical stress.
- Plan respite breaks before you feel burned out.
Respite Care at The Village offers short stays that include the same services and activities as those provided in Assisted Living and Memory Care in Tacoma. This can help you rest and reset while your loved one stays safe and engaged.
How Memory Care in Tacoma at The Village Supports Sundowning
Memory Care in Tacoma at The Village Senior Living supports Sundowning through a secure, structured setting and a calm daily rhythm. The Memory Care neighborhood offers monitored entrances, easy-to-follow layouts, and comfortable common areas, which help reduce triggers such as noise, clutter, and confusing hallways. Staff follow steady routines with regular times for meals, activities, and rest, as well as daytime programs featuring music, movement, and cognitive engagement, followed by quieter options such as crafts and small groups in the evening.
Residents and families work closely with the care team to develop Personalized Service Plans and Negotiated Service Plans, which may include assistance with bathing, dressing, mobility, medication support, mealtime help, and nighttime checks. Short-term Respite Care and coordination with hospice providers give you added options if Sundowning has made home care feel unsafe or exhausting, while your loved one receives Memory Care in Tacoma in a safe, compassionate environment.
Your Next Step With The Village Senior Living
If Sundowning has made your evenings stressful and your nights short, you are not alone. Memory Care in Tacoma at The Village Senior Living offers structure, safety, and activities to combat Sundowning for seniors with dementia.
You can explore:
- Memory Care in Tacoma at The Village
- Assisted Living in Tacoma
- Independent Living at The Village
- Respite Care at The Village
To discuss Sundowning, dementia care, and Memory Care in Tacoma, please call The Village Senior Living at (253) 302-8277 or use the Contact Us form to schedule a personal tour.
The team will listen to your story, learn about your loved one, and help you find the level of support that fits your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sundowning in dementia?
Sundowning in dementia is a pattern where symptoms like confusion, anxiety, agitation, pacing, or wandering get noticeably worse in the late afternoon and evening, from dusk through the night. It isn’t a separate disease, but a cluster of dementia-related behaviors often linked to a disrupted body clock, fatigue, low lighting, and overstimulation at the end of the day. Sundowning is especially common in people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, particularly in the middle and later stages, and can be very distressing for both the person and their caregivers.
What activities help reduce Sundowning?
Activities that reduce sundowning typically focus on maintaining routine, promoting movement, and providing calm sensory input. Many caregivers find that gentle daytime exercise, such as taking short walks or performing simple chair exercises, can help reduce late-day restlessness. Quiet, structured tasks in the afternoon, such as folding towels, sorting objects, or engaging in activities like music, art, or puzzles at the right ability level, help the person stay engaged without being overwhelmed. As evening approaches, a predictable wind-down with soft lighting, relaxing music, familiar photos, and reassurance often helps lessen agitation and confusion. The key is consistency and choosing activities the person has enjoyed in the past.
How can Memory Care in Tacoma help with Sundowning?
Memory care communities in Tacoma offer structured days, dementia-trained staff, and secure environments, all of which can help alleviate sundowning. Consistent routines for meals, activities, and rest reduce confusion, while specialized evening programs, calming sensory rooms, and well-lit, home-like spaces help lower agitation as the sun goes down. Staff are trained to recognize triggers, redirect gently, and use validation and reassurance rather than confrontation.
When should I consider Memory Care for Sundowning?
You may consider memory care when sundowning becomes frequent, severe, or unsafe, despite your best home strategies. Warning signs include nightly agitation or wandering that is hard to redirect, aggression or severe distress, increased falls risk, or constant supervision needs that leave family caregivers exhausted or unable to work or sleep. These behaviors usually appear in moderate to later stages of dementia, when 24/7 structured support is often needed. At that point, a memory care community can provide consistent staffing, secure spaces, and clinical oversight that most households can’t safely sustain on their own.
