Coping With Seasonal Changes and Daylight-Saving Time in Dementia Care

By Sherene Hijleh, Senior Life Enrichment Director at Bridges 

When autumn arrives, many of us welcome cozy sweaters and crisp air. Many of us look forward to the glow of fall foliage. It’s a special treat for us in New England.  

But shorter days and colder nights can bring challenges for everyone, especially for older adults, and most profoundly for those living with dementia. 

The shift to earlier sunsets and the disruption of daylight-saving time can increase confusion, trigger restlessness, and sometimes lead to other changes in mood and behavior.  

These changes are more than a matter of inconvenience. For people with memory loss, the autumnal shift can deeply affect well-being and quality of life. 

As caregivers, we need to do what we can to mitigate these negative effects.  

At Bridges by EPOCH, we work every day to support residents and their families through these transitions. By understanding the unique impact of seasonal changes and preparing in advance, caregivers can make the transition to fall and winter a smoother experience. There may even be room for some fun along the way! 

The Challenge of Shorter Days 

One of the most common difficulties during fall and winter is “sundowning”. This is when confusion, anxiety, or agitation increases in the late afternoon or evening, coinciding with the setting sun. It’s the changes in natural light that often bring on those problematic behaviors.   

As the sun sets earlier, the body’s internal clock can be thrown off, and for someone with dementia, this disorientation can be especially unsettling. 

What might look like a simple change on the clock can feel like much more for a person with memory loss. That “just one hour back” can throw off a whole routine, and we all know that those with memory loss rely heavily on the regularity of the internal circadian rhythm of the day.  

With the abrupt change in natural light, they may mistake afternoon for evening or feel that the day has ended too soon. This can lead to disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, and heightened stress, all of which affect both the individual and you as the caregiver. 

Why Routine Is so Important 

If there’s one word caregivers should keep in mind during seasonal transitions, it’s routine. Predictability of routine is a comfort to those with dementia. When mealtimes, activities, and daily rituals stay the same, it sends steadying signals that anchor the day, even as the world outside shifts. 

Some practical tips to maintain routine: 

• Keep meals at the same times each day. 

• Maintain bedtime and wake-up routines. 

• Continue favorite activities, whether it’s morning coffee together, a daily walk, or listening to music in the afternoon. 

At Bridges, our structured life enrichment programming ensures residents always know what to expect each day. That consistency reduces stress and helps our residents feel safe and engaged. 

You can try to embed similar routines at home; you don’t need a community of caregivers and wellness professionals to establish a schedule.  A steady schedule provides a reliable structure for both of you without adding unnecessary pressure. It can provide a dependable foundation for your day, with allocated times for meals, hygiene tasks, activities, walks, a nap – whatever it may be.  

Preparing Ahead for Daylight-Saving Time 

Many of our professionals and residents have lived in New England for most of their lives. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise to see the leaves turn, the temperatures drop, and those cold, dark evenings creep in. We know what’s coming, and that gives us time to prepare. 

As caregivers at home, you can do some of your own prep as we turn to fall: 

• Brighten the environment. Turn on lights earlier in the day, especially in the late afternoon. Keep blinds closed as the sun sets to reduce cues that evening is arriving too soon. 

• Adjust gradually. In the week leading up to the time change, shift bedtime and meal schedules by 10–15 minutes at a time to ease the transition. 

• Celebrate seasonal traditions. Highlight familiar holidays and rituals like pumpkin carving, Halloween decorations, and Thanksgiving pie baking to anchor loved ones in the season. We’re thinking here of anything you usually do that may have some positive associations with the season.   

Lifting Spirits Through Fall and Winter 

It’s not only people with dementia who feel the weight of darker days. Many of us know the feeling of seasonal depression, when our energy and mood dip as the weather changes. That’s why proactive strategies to boost spirits are essential: 

• Stay active. Fresh air is powerful. Even a five-minute walk outside can improve mood and circulation. Bundle up with coats, gloves, and hats if you need to, and don’t shy away from short outdoor moments. Indoors, walking laps around the house, chair yoga, or light stretching are all valuable ways to get the blood flowing and raise your heart rate! 

• Encourage social interaction. Isolation is one of the biggest risks during the colder months. Stay connected with friends, family, and community. At Bridges, we prioritize group activities, family events, and shared celebrations. At home, you can always try to organize Zoom calls with family members and friends. 

• Keep minds stimulated. Crafts, puzzles, music, and conversation are more than just “keeping busy”. They keep the brain active and stimulated, which is a critical step to fend off any feelings of seasonal sadness.  

As mentioned, these suggestions are apt for anybody heading into autumn and winter. It’s great advice for any season, but we often need to put in more effort to keep up those good habits as summer comes to a close. There is the temptation to sit in front of a TV and take solace in comfort food and blankets, so many of us need to work harder to keep our minds and bodies active.  

Those with dementia are even more susceptible to these changes. As a caregiver, you should try to embed these spirit-lifting activities into your days. Both of you will benefit. 

The Healing Power of Social Connection 

I want to spend more time discussing social connections.  

We learned during the pandemic just how harmful isolation can be. For me, it was a tough time in our community. We weren’t just dealing with the threat of the virus to our residents; we were also under a lot of pressure to comply with changing rules.

For our residents, it was a confusing time, and we sometimes struggled to provide our usual level of socialization through organized group activities.  

 Lessons from the Pandemic: The Importance of Socialization. 

The experience of the pandemic lit a spark in me and revealed for the first time just how important human connection is. For the residents experiencing memory loss, it is rejuvenating and comforting, a key part of our offering at Bridges. Studies show that regular social interaction helps slow the progression of the disease and reduce problematic behaviors.  

I have always intuitively known this. But seeing the effects of the absence of socialization during the pandemic really brought it to life.  

My conclusion: socialization isn’t optional or a nice-to-have. Instead, it’s a core part of health and happiness for all of us. 

Therefore, you must find opportunities for interaction for your loved one. Note I say ‘for’, not ‘with’, because they need to find friends and gatherings beyond just spending time with you. Again, finding that outlet will be beneficial for both you and the individual with dementia.  

Making the Most of Holidays 

The season’s holidays are a great time to do something special. 

In the community, we see how powerful it is to gather together. Family visits, group meals, and festive events allow residents to relive cherished traditions, share stories, and experience an all-important sense of belonging. 

That’s why we go the extra mile at Bridges to make them meaningful, from fresh linens and special menus to live music and decorations.  

If you are able, try to build something special around Halloween or Thanksgiving for your loved one.  Decorate together, enjoy a meal, get costumes, go apple or pumpkin picking, or look at old photos of previous celebrations. In our community, one resident’s family decorates her room with handmade crafts each fall, and she lights up at the sight of familiar colors. 

These holidays are especially powerful because, even as specific memories fade, the feel of these holidays, compounded over years and years of celebrations, often resonates in magical ways for those experiencing memory loss.  

Supporting Caregivers, Too 

As has been a running theme, it’s critical to remember these seasonal changes affect caregivers as well. Shorter days can add to your stress and fatigue, especially if you’re balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities. 

Here’s my regular reminder that caregivers should give themselves permission to: 

• Ask for help from family, friends, or professional support. 

• Take breaks when possible, even if just for a walk or a phone call with a friend. 

• Join caregiver support groups to share strategies and encouragement. 

At Bridges, our support doesn’t stop with residents. We provide families with educational sessions and groups where they can connect, learn, and lean on one another. Many families see this as a valuable resource, particularly as we head into fall and winter.  

It’s also critical to accept that there will be bad days. Remember, it’s okay if every day doesn’t go perfectly. Please don’t think I am expecting full schedules and top effort every day to make fall an activity extravaganza. Know that even small efforts can help.  

Final Thoughts 

Fall and winter bring challenges, for sure. But let’s spin things a little more positively. These seasons also give us unique opportunities for connection.  

For people with dementia, consistent routines, bright and cheerful environments, and active engagement can make the transition easier.  

For caregivers, planning ahead and leaning on support systems can reduce stress and strengthen resilience. 

At Bridges, our goal is simple: to make every day the best it can be. Because even as the seasons change, compassion, connection, and care remain constant. 

If you’d like more ideas, connect with one of our Bridges team members. We’d be happy to help.  

We also offer monthly caregiver support groups and educational sessions, with both in-person and virtual options, to help share advice and tips for caregivers in a safe, social setting.