Confusion, restlessness, and wandering often increase in the evening and overnight, exactly when staffing is lowest.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning describes increased confusion, anxiety, restlessness, or agitation in the late afternoon, evening, and night. It is common in people living with dementia and Alzheimer's. Changing light, tiredness, and unfamiliar noise can all contribute.
The Overnight Gap
Nights often bring fewer staff, quieter hallways, and fewer visitors, while some residents are more active and more distressed. That combination raises the risk of:
- Wandering and exits to unsafe areas
- Falls while a resident is walking alone
- Agitation that wakes and distresses other residents
- Unauthorized entry when entrances are less supervised
Practical Steps
- Evening routines: Predictable routines, good lighting, and calm activity help many residents.
- Targeted coverage: Add observation during the hours with the highest incidents.
- Entrance control: Keep exterior doors secure and confirm who enters overnight.
- Escorts: Staff leaving late should have an escort to their vehicles.
- 1-to-1 observation: For residents at the highest risk, a dedicated officer can provide safe, calm company until they settle.
How Security Helps
Overnight officers provide an extra pair of eyes, a calm presence, and a quick link between care staff and emergency services. They work under your facility's protocols and report incidents in writing.
Plan Your Overnight Coverage
ApexGuard Security provides 24/7 coverage for healthcare facilities and can build a schedule around your highest-risk hours. Contact us for a free assessment.
Need Professional Security?
ApexGuard Security provides licensed officers across Windsor, Essex County, and Toronto/GTA. Contact us to discuss your requirements.