Dementia Care · intermediate
A Resident Becomes Agitated at Sunset
Recognize sundowning and use calming, non-pharmacological interventions within CNA scope.
Educational signal only — not a hiring criterion.
Scenario context
Resident
Mrs. Chen — 79 years old, advanced dementia. Typically calm during the day, restless after 4 PM.
Situation
It is 5:30 PM. Mrs. Chen is pacing the hallway, wringing her hands, calling out "Where is everybody? Where is everybody?" and pulling at other residents' wheelchairs.
Interactive decision flow
Step 1It is 5:30 PM. Mrs. Chen is pacing the hallway, wringing her hands, calling out "Where is everybody? Where is everybody?" and pulling at other residents' wheelchairs.
What should you do first?
Key learning points
Clinical pearl. Sundowning is a predictable pattern for many residents with dementia. Prevention (lighting, routine, reduced stimulation) works better than reaction.