For many of us, the evening is a time to slow down. But for an elderly person living alone, it can sometimes become the hardest part of the day.
Tiredness can make everyday tasks more difficult, a quiet house can feel lonelier, and preparing dinner or getting ready for bed may require more effort. For some people living with dementia, confusion or anxiety can also become more noticeable later in the day.
If you’ve noticed an elderly loved one struggling more in the evening, here are some signs worth paying attention to.
1. Dinner is becoming something quick and easy
Preparing an evening meal requires energy shopping, cooking, standing and cleaning afterwards.
If someone who previously cooked regularly is increasingly relying on toast, snacks or ready meals, they may be finding meal preparation more difficult.
A little support with shopping and meal preparation can help someone continue enjoying nutritious meals without taking away their independence.
2. Loneliness feels greater in the evening
Daytime naturally brings more activity. There may be appointments, neighbours, family phone calls or errands to run.
Once evening arrives, the house can suddenly feel very quiet.
For someone living alone, this can make feelings of loneliness more noticeable. A regular visit or companionship care can provide conversation and reassurance while also helping with everyday evening tasks.
3. They feel less confident once it gets dark
You may start hearing comments such as:
“I don’t like being here alone at night.”
Or perhaps your loved one avoids going upstairs or moving around the house after dark.
Poor lighting, reduced mobility or concerns about falling can all make evenings feel less comfortable.
Simple changes such as improving lighting and removing trip hazards can help. The NHS also provides useful guidance on preventing falls at home.
4. Getting ready for bed has become difficult
Going to bed can involve more physical effort than we realise washing, changing clothes, using the bathroom, climbing stairs and getting safely into bed.
For someone experiencing reduced mobility, pain or tiredness, these tasks may become challenging towards the end of the day.
Evening home care can provide support with personal care and bedtime routines while encouraging someone to remain as independent as possible.
5. Confusion becomes more noticeable
For some people living with dementia, increased confusion, anxiety or restlessness can occur during the late afternoon or evening. This is sometimes known as sundowning.
However, sudden changes in behaviour shouldn’t automatically be attributed to dementia. Pain, infection, medication and other health issues can also affect someone’s behaviour, so significant or sudden changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
6. Evening phone calls are becoming more frequent
Sometimes the sign appears on your own phone.
Perhaps your loved one calls more often for reassurance, asks whether the door is locked or simply wants someone to talk to.
Instead of focusing only on the increased calls, consider what might be behind them.
Are they lonely? Anxious? Finding their evening routine difficult?
Understanding the reason can help you find the right type of support.
How can families make evenings easier?
Start with small changes.
Make sure the home is well lit, frequently used items are easy to reach and simple meals are available. A predictable evening routine can also provide structure and reassurance.
Rather than simply asking “Are you okay?”, try asking more specific questions:
“What did you have for dinner last night?”
“Are you comfortable going upstairs in the evening?”
“Is there anything you find harder once it gets dark?”
These questions can make it easier for someone to explain what’s becoming difficult.
Does struggling in the evening mean someone needs full-time care?
Not necessarily.
For some people, an evening care visit might simply involve help preparing dinner, companionship or support getting ready for bed.
Others may eventually benefit from more regular home care, overnight support or live-in care.
The important thing is finding the level of support that fits the individual’s needs and existing routine.
Making evenings feel comfortable again
Sometimes a small amount of support can make a big difference.
At Concept Care Community Services, our home care is tailored around each person’s routines, preferences and needs – from companionship and help around the home to evening visits, personal care, overnight support and live-in care.
If evenings are becoming more difficult for someone you love, starting the conversation early can help them continue feeling comfortable, confident and independent at home.
Looking for support at home? Explore our home care services or contact Concept Care Community Services to discuss the right level of support for your loved one.
