Seniors aren’t the only ones affected by seasonal darkness, but seasonal darkness can cause unique problems for seniors with Alzheimer’s. If your senior parent has Alzheimer’s and is living at home, they may experience some behavioral changes or mood changes due to the long, dark winter days.
One of the reasons why seniors with Alzheimer’s are more affected by seasonal darkness is that seniors who have Alzheimer’s rely on routine. Because their brains processes information daily, seniors with Alzheimer’s rely on cues like sunlight to tell them when it’s time to get up or time to go to bed.
If your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s and they’re living at home, Alzheimer’s home care is a great way to support them. The care providers that offer Alzheimer’s home care have experience and training that they use to help seniors with Alzheimer’s. And they can also help family caregivers understand more about Alzheimer’s and how it affects seniors.
With the seasonal darkness in the winter, you may notice changes like these in your parent:
1. Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Seasonal darkness can make it hard for your mom or dad to know what time of the day it is. A lack of sunlight can make it harder for seniors to know when it’s time to sleep or wake up, causing disruptions in their sleeping patterns.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s may sleep more during the day and stay awake at night. Poor sleep can cause confusion, irritability, and even increased agitation in your mom or dad.
2. Increased Confusion and Disorientation
The lack of natural light during the winter months can make the confusion and disorientation that seniors with Alzheimer’s experience worse. The dark environment can make it harder for them to recognize familiar places or people. Your mom or dad might become upset or anxious because they can’t tell whether it’s day or night.
The change in light can cause your mom or dad to feel lost or unsure of their surroundings. That can make them agitated and confused. Reassuring your mom or dad to help them feel safe can calm their anxiety.
3. Depression
Seniors with Alzheimer’s are already at risk of depression, and the lack of sunlight can make it worse. The dark days can make seniors feel sad, withdrawn, or lethargic. They may lose interest in activities they usually enjoy and become less engaged with others.
The winter months can also lead to feelings of isolation, especially if your senior parent is not able to go outside as much due to the cold and dark. It’s very important to keep your mom or dad from wandering when the weather is dark and cold because it can increase the chances of them getting lost.
Alzheimer’s home care providers help with regular socialization as well as the safety and monitoring of your senior loved one.
4. Not Moving As Much As They Should
With shorter days and less sunlight, seniors with Alzheimer’s may spend more time indoors. This can lead to a decrease in physical activity.
Without enough natural light, seniors may not feel motivated to move around or go outside. Less physical activity can make them feel sluggish and increase the risk of health problems such as weight gain, muscle weakness, and poor circulation.
Alzheimer’s home care providers can encourage your mom or dad to do light exercises if they are able, like playing balloon games or stretching.
5. Not Eating Regularly
Seniors with Alzheimer’s may not always be able to recognize their body’s hunger cues. Seasonal darkness can make this issue worse. The dark and cold weather can make your mom or dad less likely to eat regularly, especially if they are living alone or are confused about mealtimes.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Owings Mills, MD, please contact the caring staff at A+ Personal Home Care. Call (443) 660-8757, After Hours: (443) 796-5241
A+ Personal Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving the Baltimore and DC Metro Area, with offices in Pikesville and Gaithersburg.
At A+ Personal Home Care, our mission has always been to provide exceptional care, compassion, and a nurturing environment for our beloved community members. Over the years, we have strived to create a place where individuals can find solace, engage in meaningful activities, and receive the highest quality of medical attention.
A+ Personal Home Care is always striving to improve and exceed expectations. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our clients and their families, as your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our care programs. We want to ensure that we continue to meet your needs and remain a trusted pillar of support within our community.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the families who have placed their trust in us. Your support and loyalty inspire us to continue providing exceptional care every day. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of love, respect, and dignity, and we consider it an honor to serve you and your loved ones.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our dedicated team. We are here to listen, assist, and ensure that your experience at A+ Personal Home Care remains fulfilling and positive.
Thank you once again for choosing A+ Personal Home Care as your partner in care. We look forward to sharing many more moments of joy, growth, and healing with you and your loved ones in the days to come.
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