dementia <\/a>and sundowning syndrome require managed care to ensure they do not harm themselves or others due to their incompetence. Unfortunately, many caregivers, especially family members, may try to alter the behavior of the affected senior. The caregiver may try to make them complete a task to make the patient feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, this strategy may have unintended results, producing the exact opposite effect they had hoped would occur. The patient may feel like they are being instructed and refuse to listen. They may resist any attempt to calm them down \u2013 resulting in the patient spinning out of control. In some cases, the reaction to authority can be so severe that the patient goes on a rampage, breaking furniture and fixtures in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experts suggest that you do not interrupt their behavior. Instead, provide them with a safe space to carry out their repetitive behavior, and wait for the patient to calm down. It\u2019s vital that the patient receives monitored care during this time to avoid self-harm or harm to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n15. Validate, Reassure, Distract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Caregivers should adhere to the \u201cvalidate, reassure, distract\u201d strategy when dealing with patients suffering from sundowning syndrome. The process starts with the caregiver acknowledging the patient\u2019s onset of symptoms. They may say something like, \u201cI notice you look like you\u2019re feeling afraid or anxious right now \u2013 and it\u2019s okay to feel this way.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By making this statement, the caregiver acknowledges the patients growing fear, providing them with the reassurance that helps them understand that it\u2019s all part of the process, and the feelings will pass. Caregivers should do everything they can to identify the source of anxiety <\/a>and offer reassurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter reassuring the patient, its best to give them something to do that distracts them from the mounting emotions of fear and anxiety. Remove all triggers from the immediate environment, such as television noise and the radio \u2013 sharp sounds may exacerbate symptoms. Introduce positive reinforcement to their environment and play some classical music, or turn on the TV with the volume down and let them watch a nature documentary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n
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