- 2021 Posts
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- A Change in Seasons Can Bring a Change in Moods
- New Act Provides Relief for Pandemic Weary Individuals
- Something to Think About
- Do I Hear an Echo? Smart Home Devices Can Make Life Safer and Easier
- "Senior Financial Abuse" as featured in Caregiving Magazine
- Annual Report - FY20
- 2021 New Year Message from Executive Director
- "The U-Shaped Happiness Curve"
- "Everyone Has a Story to Tell. Are You Ready to Share Your Life Story?"
+ 2020 Posts
- "Maximize Your Personal Connections and Minimize the Holiday Blues"
- "Resilience & Aging"
- Self-Care Tips for the Family Caregiver
- Sharing Gratitude During Thanksgiving from Our Executive Director
- NSSC Awarded Chicago Top Workplace
- 'Exercise’ Your Commitment to Stay Fit During Pandemic
- How the End of Daylight Saving Time Affects People with Dementia
- Lifelong Learning Virtual Experience: The Next Best Thing to Being at the Center
- Join us for Gala 2020: Unmasked
- Permission Granted: Time to Host the Perfectly Imperfect Wedding
- North Shore Senior Center Featured in Caregiving Magazine!
- What Does 'Medicare for All' Mean?
- Opening Day Slated for July 6!
- North Shore Senior Center Keeps Older Adults And Their Families Connected
- June 15 Update on Center Reopening
- An Open Letter from the Executive Director
- Initial Plans to Re-Open Center
- HSS & Sewa International Donate Masks to NSSC
- May 14 Update from the Executive Director
- The CARES Act Brings Many Changes for Individuals and Businesses
- May 7 Update from the Executive Director
- April 30 Message from the Executive Director
- Celebrating our Volunteers and Senior & Family Services: A Message from the Executive Director
- Celebrating Our Successes: A Message from the Executive Director
- Message from the Executive Director on HOW Programs
- Winnetka Talk: North Shore senior centers turn to technology to connect and entertain
- Message from the Executive Director
- An Update from our Executive Director & Free Online Classes
- A Note to the North Shore Senior Center Community
How the End of Daylight Saving Time Affects People with Dementia
October 27, 2020by Marci Balonick, LCSW, Clinical Manager/Caregiver Specialist, House of Welcome Adult Day Services
On November 1, we will set the clocks back an hour for the end of daylight saving time. This means it will be lighter in the morning, and it will get dark earlier in the afternoon. Many people have difficulty adjusting to time changes, but for those with dementia it can be particularly confusing.
Tips to Time Change When Caring for a Person with Memory Loss:
- Have your environment match to the time of day—Open the blinds/drapes in the morning so your loved one knows it's daytime. Close the blinds/drapes once it gets dark. This can help orient your family member.
- Maintain a routine—The time change may impact your loved one’s schedule. He or she may wake up earlier or later, go to bed early, or be hungrier at different times of day. Try to maintain your usual routine as much as possible. Disruption in routines or lack of routine may cause confusion. Be sure to maintain a routine for naps, if naps are taken, as those with dementia can become more confused when they wake up from sleep or a nap.
- Expect increased confusion—When it is bright in the morning and begins getting dark in the afternoon, it can be confusing to determine the actual time. People living with memory loss may see it is dark outside at 4 p.m. and wonder why they haven’t had dinner yet.
- Be flexible/plan for extra snacks—While it’s important to maintain your routine, flexibility will help you and your family member. Your loved one may get confused with meals. You may want to plan for extra snacks to avoid any confusion with forgotten meals/snacks. Make sure your family member gets enough to eat during the day and stays hydrated.