October is now drawing to a close and this weekend, on 27 October at 2am, the clocks will move back one hour. This can be disorienting for people living with dementia, so we’ve pulled together some tips on how to make things a bit easier to manage:
-Change the clocks earlier in the evening to help maintain a sense of routine. This can reduce confusion and minimise the impact of sundowning
-Close curtains or blinds before it gets dark so the change in outdoor light isn’t so noticeable. This makes the transition from day to night smoother and can help to maintain a healthy sleep routine
-Try to spend time outdoors during the day to improve sleep quality and mood. Fresh air during daylight hours can stimulate our body’s natural sleep hormones – even five minutes each day can make a big difference
-Ensure that indoor lightening is bright and even to help people with dementia adjust to the shortening daylight hours. Good lighting can provide a reassuring environment and make it easier to maintain a regular routine
-Use clocks with large, easy-to-read displays to help people with dementia see and understand the new time more easily
This time of year brings shorter, darker days and it might be useful to have some support strategies in place in case you need them. If you, or someone in your life, requires information or emotional support, our 24 hour freephone Dementia Helpline is here for you on 0808 808 3000.