As the clocks roll back on November 2, 2025, evenings will arrive earlier. For those living with dementia, this change can sometimes bring restlessness or confusion. Too often it’s called “sundowning,” but the real question is why. In this post, discover simple ways—like steady lighting, familiar routines, and comfort—to create calm, safe evenings as the days grow shorter.

Many older adults carry life histories marked by trauma, whether from wartime experiences, abusive relationships, medical emergencies, or even childhood adversity. Dementia can blur the line between past and present, and what may seem like a small incident to a care partner can awaken a deep sense of fear or mistrust in the person receiving care.

Life rarely follows the map we sketch out in our minds. We set our course, imagining smooth highways and scenic views. Then, without warning, the road curves sharply. A diagnosis, a loss, an unexpected conflict, or even a sudden change in our own hearts can leave us staring at an emotional detour sign. Detours can feel inconvenient, frustrating, and frightening. They can also lead us to unexpected landscapes of growth, resilience, and grace—if we learn to navigate them with