CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Daylight saving time can present challenges for those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

A North Carolina health worker is asking caregivers and family members to exercise patience for these populations as they navigate through those challenges. 

Tameka Beane is health and wellness director at Brookdale South Park. Her team is providing care to seniors with cognitive impairments.

"I love the family orientation of everything, the relationships we build with our residents, our families," Beane said. "Those residents and family members have actually become our families as well."

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 210,000 people age 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s dementia in North Carolina. Beane says structured activities are critical with their livelihood. 

"We have them on a structured routine," Beane said. "They almost have to do the same thing the same way. One thing we know about this community, time changes [and] shifts with them all the time. Sometimes, they get their nights and days mixed up. It is up to us as caregivers and nurses here to help get them back on that structured program or structured timing they normally have with their daily living."

But daylight saving time can cause disruptions, such as accelerating sundowning symptoms like anxiety, sudden mood changes and increased confusion.

"Eating, sleeping, it throws everything off," Beane said. 

Beane says there are things caregivers at home can do to help their loved ones navigating the time changes. 

"If the light is coming in early, before they even wake up, go in there and open those blinds in that room. That sunlight lets them know it's time to get up, it's time for me to start my day. At nighttime, draw the blinds, put on soothing music, dim the lights. It lets them know it's time for us to start relaxing for the evening," Beane said. 

Losing or gaining an hour in the day can be a major hurdle. Beane recommends making small time shifts so your loved one can adjust better.

"If 5 o'clock is the time they normally eat dinner, shift it by 10-15 minutes. Do it just a little bit over a series of days and before you know it they've already adapted to it," Beane said. "We have to adapt to their world. I know it's hard. We just want to understand their world. Whatever it is they're dealing with, we still want to deal with them with dignity and respect."

Brookdale South Park is encouraging families to reach out for additional questions pertaining to helping their loved ones.  

"I ask for family members to reach out to your support groups. If you need help, say something, ask for help. We can actually give them a little piece of what we do here just to make it easier for them. We ask them to lean on us for support. You don't have to bring your loved one in here to live. However, we do have a support group here too they can participate in virtually or in-person, because it does help," Beane said. 

You can contact Brookdale South Park by calling its main line at (704) 553-8700.