About a month ago, our team at Homewatch Caregivers of Northern Kentucky received a call from a local facility that was facing a very difficult situation. A resident named Robert, who was living with advanced dementia, had begun experiencing significant sundowning behaviors. As the disease progressed, Robert was becoming increasingly confused, agitated, verbally aggressive, and at times physically combative. The facility was deeply concerned. Without additional support, they felt they might have no choice but to discharge him.
The family was overwhelmed and losing hope. They loved Robert dearly but were struggling to understand the changes they were seeing in him. That’s when they reached out for help.
The Crisis - Sundowning Behaviors and Risk of Discharge
Our dementia specialist, Colleen, stepped in right away. Instead of simply assigning caregivers, Colleen began with a comprehensive assessment. She spent several hours with Robert and his family—talking, observing, and learning. She met with Robert one-on-one to understand him as a person, not just a diagnosis. She asked questions, listened to stories, and explored his past.
During that assessment, we learned something very important about Robert: he had spent much of his life leading a company, being a coach, and making decisions on the regular. He was used to being busy, being in charge, and feeling productive. The progression of dementia had stripped away those familiar roles, leaving him frustrated, confused, and searching for control.
Creating a Personalized Dementia Care Plan
With this insight, our team came together to build a personalized care plan focused on dignity, engagement, and understanding the brain changes that come with dementia.
Instead of trying to control Robert’s behaviors, our caregivers worked to redirect his energy. We helped keep him active and engaged. Caregivers began taking him from memory care to the gym, going on outings to eat, and giving him opportunities to feel involved and purposeful throughout the day. The focus was on meeting Robert where he was and helping him feel successful again.
At the start, the situation required 24/7 care for nearly a month. Slowly, as Robert stabilized and became more comfortable, the results began to show.
Gradual Reduction in Care Needs
- Care reduced from 24/7 support
- Then to 8 hours a day
- Then to 4 hours a day
- And now the family is comfortable using services on an as-needed basis
A True Success of Stability, Dignity, and Hope Restored
Today, Robert remains in the facility where he lives. What once felt like an impossible situation has become a true success story.
- The facility avoided losing a resident.
- The family regained hope and peace of mind.
Most importantly, Robert is living with dignity and stability.
This outcome was possible because someone took the time to truly understand him—his history, his personality, his strengths, and the neurological changes happening in his brain. With the right dementia approach, a thoughtful care plan, and a committed team, what once looked like a crisis turned into a powerful example of what compassionate, specialized care can accomplish.
At the heart of it all is a simple belief:
Every person deserves to be understood, especially when their brain is changing.