Sundowning.
It sounds so innocent.
If, however, you have a relative or loved one who has Sundowner Alzheimer’s then you know that this pleasant enough phrase that often describes one of the most tranquil parts of the day is a condition that can cause great concern. This symptom symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, which is also known as late-day confusion, refers to the tendency for dementia patients to be more confused or agitated in the late afternoon and evening. In contrast, these patients may have symptoms that are less pronounced earlier in the day.
Unfortunately, if your loved one is not in the right kind of care center the confusion and irritation that they show late in the day can cause problems. In the best situations, these problems may lead to someone being reassigned to a different wing or building, and in some cases being asked to leave. In the worst situations, these uncharacteristic behaviors can make a patient appear to be a very difficult patient.
Even though nursing homes and other care centers should be staffed with people who are well trained, there are some residents who can end up falling victim to staff members who abuse patients. For this reason, and several others, there are nursing home abuse lawyers who can help a family find a solution.
Do You Have a Loved One Who Is Not Being Properly Cared For?
Unfortunately, a recent study indicated that only one in 14 cases of elder abuse are ever reported to authorities. When these situations are not reported, of course, nursing home neglect lawyers cannot help find a remedy. If you suspect that your spouse or loved one is not getting the kind of care that they need it is important to talk to the staff on hand. If, however, you see signs of abuse it is important to contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to make sure that you understand the options that may be available to you.
The aging process can be difficult, but if you take advantage of the available resources you may be able to more easily navigate the challenges that you will face. Given that as many as 40% of nursing home residents in the U.S. have reported abuse, it is important that you are prepared to be an advocate for your loved one if necessary. More than 90% of nursing home residents have reported that either they or another resident have suffered from neglect in a nursing home, so if your loved one falls into this category it is important to ask for the help that you need. Sometimes this requires talking to a nursing home abuse lawyer.
