restlessness
They are restless and agitated, especially later in the day.
4 min read
Restlessness that builds through the late afternoon is something caregivers describe very often. A tiring day, fading light, an empty afternoon and a late mealtime all tend to make it harder. It usually responds better to changes made earlier in the day than to anything attempted at six o’clock.
What to try
- 1Get bright light into the morning, outdoors if at all possible, for at least half an hour.
- 2Move demanding activity to late morning and keep the late afternoon calm and low-stimulation.
- 3Bring forward the main meal, and offer a snack around the time the restlessness usually starts.
- 4Close curtains and turn lamps on before dusk, so the light does not drop suddenly.
- 5Walk with them rather than trying to seat them. Movement discharges the agitation.
What to avoid
- Trying to reason them into sitting down.
- Television or radio noise in the background during the difficult hour.
- Starting a new or complicated task late in the day.
- Long daytime naps after mid-afternoon.
Pacing is not always a problem
Walking is often a way of coping. If they are safe, warm and not exhausting themselves, letting the pacing happen is a reasonable response. Clear a loop through the house rather than trying to stop it.
How this guide was made
Written by
Written independently for Riparo. It is not copied or adapted from any organisation’s material.
Evidence checked
Some key points have been checked against published national dementia guidance; others have not been.
Reviewed by
Not clinically reviewed. No clinician has checked this guide.