Getting to the Root of Restlessness in Dementia

Posted on August 29th, by Mark Winter in Aging, Alzheimer's, Caregiver Support Tip, Chronic Conditions, Dementia, Depression in Seniors, Senior Fall Prevention, Senior Health, Senior Independence, Senior Loneliness, Senior Safety. No Comments

An older man experiencing restlessness in dementia holds his head and gazes out the window.

Uncover the reason behind restlessness in dementia in someone you love by answering these key questions.

Pacing. Fidgeting. Wandering. When you begin to notice these signs in someone you love with dementia, it’s time to take action before they escalate to agitation, aggression, or leaving the home. But figuring out why the person is feeling restless in dementia is sometimes half the battle.

For starters, ask yourself the following questions:

Have they been sedentary too long and need to move?
Could they be hungry or thirsty?
Are there visitors who might be producing anxiety or distress?
Are they bored?
Are there too many disturbances in the room?
Is anything causing them physical discomfort or pain?
Might they need to use the restroom?

If you are unsure, try meeting potential physical needs first. Ask if they would like a snack or a beverage to drink. Look for nonverbal clues that may indicate discomfort, and contact the physician right away for direction if you suspect the individual is in pain.

If the problem appears to be emotionally driven, try distracting the person with a soothing activity that they really enjoy, such as listening to favorite music and dancing together to channel that restless energy in a positive way. Go for a walk outside, if weather permits, or move into another room of the house for a change of scenery and to work on a puzzle together, read, or participate in a hobby.

The Unique Difficulties of Sundowning

Sundowning occurs late in the afternoon and into the evening, causing the person to feel especially anxious about being in the wrong place or wanting to go “home,” even when they are already at home. If restlessness is happening during this particular time of day, it could be very challenging for family caregivers, who need to be able to rest and get a sufficient amount of sleep.

To help an older adult with sundowning, a team approach is frequently best, allowing the primary caregiver to take the break they need during the night while making sure the person remains safe. Actions you can take include:

Create a tag with contact and identifying information for the individual, or purchase an identity necklace or bracelet, and make sure the individual is wearing it all the time.
Speak to the person’s neighbors to let them know about the situation so they can help you keep watch in the event the senior does find a way to wander away from home.

Contact Hired Hands Homecare at (866) 940-4343 for a professionally trained and experienced dementia caregiver to take the night shift, or any other shift. We can provide someone you love with the patient, creative, and compassionate care they need to overcome restlessness in dementia and other challenging behaviors, while giving you peace of mind and a much healthier life balance. Our services are available in Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and throughout the Bay Area.