Evenings can be a challenging time for individuals living with dementia. As the sun sets, many caregivers notice a shift in mood or behavior. This change is sometimes referred to as “sundowning,” and it can lead to confusion, restlessness, or anxiety at the end of the day. These symptoms can affect sleep, routines, and overall well-being for both the person with dementia and those caring for them.

One way to reduce this end-of-day anxiety is by sticking to a gentle, predictable routine at night. Having a plan in place helps create a sense of security. It lowers stimulation, supports better rest, and helps avoid the triggers that might make evenings harder than they need to be. Building a calm, supportive routine doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s about making a few small changes that can make a big difference.

Creating A Calming Environment

The space around you has a strong effect on how someone with dementia feels, especially during the evening hours. A chaotic or overstimulating environment can increase anxiety, while a quiet and comfortable space helps settle the mind and body. That’s why having a calm setting for the evening makes a meaningful difference.

Pay close attention to lighting once the sun begins to go down. Bright lights might feel harsh late in the day, but lighting that’s too dim can lead to confusion or fear. Adjusting the lights to soft, warm tones helps the body recognize that it’s time to wind down. Natural light during the day matters too because it supports the body’s internal clock, which plays a part in helping someone with dementia know when it’s time to rest.

You can also use calming elements in the space to promote relaxation. Try:

– Playing quiet, soothing music or nature sounds during the evening hours

– Keeping favorite blankets, pillows, or soft textures nearby for comfort

– Closing the curtains before sunset to reduce shadows and confusion

– Limiting background noise from televisions or loud conversations

– Keeping the layout of the room consistent to avoid unnecessary stress

For example, if your loved one struggles as night approaches, setting up a favorite chair with a soft throw blanket, turning on a floor lamp with a warm bulb, and playing gentle piano music might signal it’s time to slow down. These kinds of small, repeated cues often lead to more peaceful evenings over time.

Establishing A Consistent Routine

Everyone benefits from a regular routine, but for someone with dementia, predictable structure can go a long way in helping reduce anxiety. Evening routines can serve as an anchor, offering comfort and direction during a part of the day that tends to cause more confusion.

The key here is to keep it simple and repeat the events in the same order each night. Doing so helps the brain recognize what to expect next, even if memory is affected. Start with dinner around the same time each evening. Try to provide familiar, easy-to-eat meals that aren’t too heavy. Follow with a slow-paced activity that brings calm like a walk around the yard, a puzzle, or looking through a photo book together.

You might structure the evening like this:

1. Serve dinner at the kitchen or dining table at a consistent time

2. Go for a short walk or sit on the porch together for fresh air

3. Offer a warm bath or shower, if that’s part of the care plan

4. Put on clean and comfortable sleepwear

5. Settle into a calm activity like listening to music or reading

6. Transition into a darkened bedroom with minimal noise or distractions

If possible, avoid last-minute schedule changes or surprises. Sudden disruptions can feel overwhelming and impact how safely and comfortably someone with dementia gets through the evening. Sticking to a flow that feels familiar helps build that sense of calm and control as the day winds down.

Engaging In Calming Activities

Winding down with peaceful activities can help guide someone with dementia into a more relaxed evening state. These activities give structure and purpose while gently keeping the mind engaged. Try picking ones that are familiar or enjoyable so they don’t cause stress or confusion.

Reading out loud can work well, especially if it’s from a well-known book or a collection of short stories or poems. The sound of someone’s voice, along with the rhythm of the words, may offer comfort. Other good choices are simple puzzles, coloring books, or sorting tasks using cards, pictures, or small objects. You want the activity to be calming rather than mentally demanding.

Here are a few calming activities to try in the evenings:

– Listen to soft, familiar songs

– Work on a puzzle together with large pieces

– Look through family photo albums

– Fold laundry or match socks (simple tasks with a pattern)

– Engage in tactile tasks like playing with therapy putty or brushing a pet

It’s best to avoid anything fast-paced or loud, such as action TV shows or competitive games. Activities should begin and end at roughly the same time each night to stay part of the routine. Pick options that make your loved one feel comfortable, not overwhelmed, to ease their transition into bedtime.

Promoting Relaxation With Natural Remedies

Certain natural supports can also help bring calm when added to the evening routine. They won’t work the same for everyone, but when used with thought and consistency, herbal teas and pleasant scents can ease restlessness and support sleep.

Warm herbal tea like chamomile, served in a favorite mug, can become a nightly signal that it’s time to settle down. Just be careful with large amounts of liquid close to bedtime, especially for anyone who may have trouble managing nighttime bathroom visits.

Aromatherapy is another tool that’s easy to blend into the routine. You don’t need anything fancy. A few drops of lavender or sandalwood oil in a diffuser creates a gentle, calming scent in the room. Some families add these into a nightly lotion or spray them lightly onto a blanket or pillow, creating a familiar smell that signals comfort.

Keep these ideas in mind when using natural remedies:

– Stick with simple, well-known scents like lavender or vanilla

– Avoid strong, mixed fragrances that may be overstimulating

– Limit liquids in the hour before bed to help reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom

– Test small amounts of any new product first, and keep a close eye for reactions

Always pair natural remedies with other relaxing elements in the evening, such as dim lighting, soft textures, or gentle routines. This rounded approach tends to have more of an impact than relying on one thing alone.

Bringing Peace to the End of the Day

Caring for someone with dementia can feel heavy at times, especially if evenings are full of tension, restlessness, or confusion. But with a few changes to your nighttime setup, you can shift the tone of these hours. Creating calming spaces, being consistent, and offering meaningful but quiet activities all help reduce dementia-related anxiety.

You don’t have to make every change all at once. Just try one thing at a time—a new routine, a different activity, a calming scent—and see how things go. Even small improvements can make a noticeable difference in how the evening unfolds. Remember, consistency is where the true comfort comes from.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of how to begin adapting your evenings, know that you’re not alone. Many families face these challenges. The more you learn and observe what works, the more confident you’ll become in helping your loved one feel safe, supported, and understood as each day comes to an end.

If you’re looking to enhance your loved one’s comfort and ease evening anxiety, consider the benefits of dementia care at home with The Next Chapter. Our personalized in-home services can help create an environment tailored to your family’s needs, making evenings more peaceful and reassuring for everyone involved.