For families and caregivers supporting a loved one with dementia, timing is everything. You may have noticed that your loved one is more alert, cooperative, or energetic at certain times of the day—while other times bring confusion, frustration, or fatigue.
This isn’t just coincidence. It’s directly connected to the way dementia affects the brain, and understanding it can make your caregiving experience much smoother.
Let’s take a closer look at how daily rhythms, energy levels, and sundowning impact when you should schedule activities—and how to make the most of each part of the day.
Morning: The Golden Window for Engagement
For many individuals living with dementia, mornings are the best time for structured activities.
Why?
After a good night’s rest, their brain has had a chance to reset. Even though dementia causes memory and cognitive issues, energy and focus levels are often higher in the early hours of the day.
Best Morning Activities:
- Light exercises (e.g., chair yoga, walking, stretching)
- Personal hygiene routines
- Simple games or puzzles
- Brain stimulation (music, memory cards, sensory boxes)
- Creative expression (colouring, painting, crafts)
- Doctor’s appointments or errands
Caregiver Tip: Plan your day so that important tasks or appointments happen before lunch. Keep the routine consistent—consistency reduces anxiety and confusion.
Afternoons: Keep it Calm & Familiar
As the day progresses, you might notice a dip in attention span, energy, and mood. That’s completely normal, even in healthy aging—but it’s more noticeable in those with dementia.
Use afternoons for quiet time, light tasks, or passive activities. This is not the time to introduce new routines or expect high concentration.
Best Afternoon Activities:
- Listening to calming music
- Looking through family photo albums
- Folding towels or other repetitive tasks
- Watching familiar TV shows
- Sitting outside or doing gentle gardening
- Having a snack or hydration break
Watch for fatigue signals like rubbing eyes, short tempers, or pacing. Be proactive about rest before these signs escalate into agitation.
Evenings & Sundowning: Why It Matters
Sundowning refers to a group of symptoms that often occur in the late afternoon or evening, including:
- Increased confusion
- Restlessness or agitation
- Irritability
- Sleep disruptions
- Shadowing (following the caregiver closely)
Not all individuals with dementia experience sundowning—but for those who do, evenings can be particularly difficult.
Avoid in the Evenings:
- Group activities
- Sudden changes to routine
- Bright, overstimulating lights
- Loud noises or background clutter
- Excess caffeine or sugar
What Helps in the Evenings:
- Dim lighting to create a sense of calm
- Familiar, soothing routines (e.g., bath, music, reading)
- Aromatherapy (lavender or chamomile)
- Soothing voice and touch
- Short, clear communication
The Power of Routine
No matter the time of day, the key to dementia care is rhythm and predictability. When your loved one knows what to expect, they feel safer—and that safety can reduce outbursts or confusion.
Use a visual schedule if possible.
Keep meals, medications, and activities around the same time each day.
Limit surprises or changes in the environment.
Supporting Families Across Canada
At Ideal Caregivers 4U, we understand that dementia doesn’t come with a guidebook. That’s why we’re here to help.
Whether you’re in Ottawa, Mississauga, Markham, Edmonton, Oshawa or Whitby, our compassionate PSWs and companion caregivers are trained in dementia care—including how to plan daily routines around your loved one’s needs.
Because every moment matters—and so does your peace of mind.
