10/09/2026
Day 10 – 10 miles – 1/3 of the challenge done! 😍
Today we did it… we walked together! 🥰
Residents and staff from BH all out enjoying some fresh air.
The first comment was, “How lovely to get out and have a nice breeze… although it is a little on the cold side.”
Very British to discuss the weather as a given! 🤣🇬🇧
But today's walk got me thinking about something we hear quite often in dementia care
“sundowning.”
So, what do we actually mean when we use that term?
Sundowning describes changes that can happen later in the day for some people living with dementia. As the day progresses, a person may become more confused, restless, anxious, agitated or unsettled. They may struggle more with communication, become disorientated, or have difficulty understanding what is happening around them.
The important thing is this:
The person isn't “being difficult” — they're communicating that something isn't right for them. ❤️
As carers, it's about looking beyond the behaviour and asking why?
Are they tired?
Hungry or thirsty?
In pain?
Overstimulated by noise and activity?
Confused by the changing light?
Do they need the toilet?
Are they looking for someone or somewhere familiar?
It can be tempting to try to distract someone or repeatedly tell them what to do, such as asking them to sit down or telling them that everything is fine. However, if we do this without first trying to understand what is causing them to feel unsettled, it may increase their distress and confusion. They may not understand why they are being asked to sit down, especially if they are trying to communicate a need, find something familiar or respond to discomfort.
Repeatedly redirecting or correcting them can also make them feel unheard, frustrated or as though they are doing something wrong. This can sometimes lead to more agitation, resistance or further distress, rather than resolving the original concern. The behaviour we see may be the only way the person can express that they are frightened, uncomfortable, in pain, overwhelmed or unsure of what is happening.
That is why taking a moment to pause, observe and explore the possible cause can make such a difference.
Is there something in the environment that is confusing them?
Have they become tired, cold, hungry or uncomfortable?
Are they trying to go somewhere, looking for someone or needing reassurance?
Even when we cannot immediately identify the reason, approaching them calmly, acknowledging how they may be feeling and offering gentle reassurance can help them feel safer.
Sometimes the best support isn't correcting, challenging or simply distracting them, but reducing stimulation, offering reassurance, creating familiarity and helping them feel safe.
We can offer choices, use simple and reassuring language, walk alongside them if they need to move, or gently support them to sit down once we understand what they may need.
Addressing the cause, rather than only trying to stop the behaviour, can prevent further distress and help the person feel respected and understood.
And perhaps our walks matter here too. Getting outside, experiencing daylight, gentle activity and social connection can all be part of supporting wellbeing and maintaining a healthy daily rhythm.
🧠 Dementia fact of the day
Sundowning isn't a type of dementia and it doesn't happen to everyone living with dementia. When it does occur, it can be influenced by tiredness, changes in the body clock, reduced lighting, environmental stimulation and unmet physical or emotional needs.
So rather than asking, “How do we stop the sundowning?”
Perhaps we should be asking:
“What is this person trying to tell us, and how can we help them feel safe?” ❤️
10 miles down. 20 to go.
And every mile is giving me another reason to talk about dementia. 🥰
Do make a donation and support Dementia UK
https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/s/55124/56454/w
