Louise Donaghy Private Care

02/03/2026

26/02/2026

What Is Sundowning?

Understanding Evening Changes in Dementia & Alzheimer’?

What Families May Notice

As the sun begins to set, your loved one may:

• Seem more confused
• Become restless or unsettled
• Ask to “go home” (even if they are home)
• Become anxious, tearful or irritable
• Repeat questions more frequently
• Seem suspicious or fearful

This is called Sundowning — and it is very common in dementia.

Why Does It Happen?

As dementia progresses, the brain finds it harder to:

• Understand changes in light and shadow
• Recognise time of day
• Cope with tiredness
• Regulate sleep patterns

By late afternoon, the brain is often simply exhausted.
When fatigue increases, confusion can increase too.

It is not a personality change.
It is not deliberate.
It is part of the condition.

What It Can Feel Like for Them

Evenings can feel unfamiliar or unsafe.

Shadows may look frightening.
Rooms may feel different.
They may feel they should be somewhere else.

Often, they are seeking comfort — not trying to be difficult.

How We Support Them

✔ Keeping lighting bright as daylight fades
✔ Maintaining a calm, predictable routine
✔ Reducing noise and overstimulation
✔ Offering reassurance instead of correction
✔ Using familiar music, gentle conversation, warm drinks
✔ Validating feelings rather than challenging beliefs

Small environmental changes can make a big difference.

Reassurance for Families

Sundowning is:

✔ A recognised part of dementia
✔ Common in mid to later stages
✔ Often worse with tiredness or infection
✔ Not caused by anything you have done

You are not failing.
Your loved one is not choosing this.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While sundowning is common, seek medical advice if you notice:

• A sudden or rapid change in behaviour
• Increased confusion that is unusual for them
• Hallucinations that are new or distressing
• Signs of pain
• Changes in urine, appetite or temperature
• Increased drowsiness or sudden agitation

Sudden changes can sometimes indicate:
• Urinary infections (UTIs)
• Dehydration
• Medication side effects
• Other underlying health concerns

If you are unsure — it is always okay to ask for a GP review.

Louise Donaghy Private Care

Louise Donaghy
Professional Care at Home

Providing calm, compassionate support for families navigating dementia.


Dementia Awareness
Dementia Awareness. Every Day
Dementia UK

26/02/2026

Understanding End of Life Care

A gentle guide for families

⸻

What Does “End of Life Care” Mean?

End of life care focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life when someone is thought to be in the last months or weeks of life.

The aim is not to cure illness, but to:
• Keep the person comfortable
• Manage pain and symptoms
• Support emotional and spiritual wellbeing
• Ensure wishes are respected
• Support family members

⸻

What Changes Might We Notice?

Every person is different, but common changes can include:
• Sleeping more and being harder to wake
• Eating and drinking less
• Increased weakness or needing more help
• Changes in breathing pattern
• Periods of confusion or restlessness
• Withdrawing or becoming quieter

These changes are natural as the body begins to slow down.

⸻

What Is the Role of the Hospice / Palliative Team?

When involved, they can:
• Assess comfort and symptom control
• Prescribe and organise medication
• Provide “Just in Case” medication for emergencies
• Coordinate with GPs and District Nurses
• Offer 24-hour advice and support
• Support family emotionally and practically

Early involvement often makes things smoother and reduces stress during urgent situations.

⸻

What Is “Just in Case” Medication?

These are medications kept in the home to manage symptoms quickly if they arise, such as:
• Pain
• Breathlessness
• Agitation
• Nausea

They are only given if needed and are usually administered by trained nurses.

⸻

When Are Ambulances Not Usually Called?

If someone is receiving end of life care at home and has chosen comfort-focused care, hospital admission is often avoided unless specifically requested.

Instead, support is usually provided by:
• GP
• District Nurses
• Hospice at Home team

This ensures care remains calm, coordinated and aligned with the person’s wishes.

⸻

How Families Can Help
• Sit with them — your presence matters
• Offer small sips of fluid if safe
• Speak gently, even if they seem asleep
• Ask questions — there are no “wrong” ones
• Take breaks and look after yourselves too

⸻

Reassurance

Being part of someone’s final stage of life is emotional and sometimes frightening. Please know:
• Changes are often a natural part of the body slowing down
• Support is available
• You are not expected to manage this alone

If you are unsure about anything, contact the appropriate healthcare team for guidance.

If you like what you see or it might help someone follow, share and for any questions message me.
Louise Donaghy Private Care

24/02/2026

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

In Older Adults & People Living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

⸻

💡 Why UTIs Matter

In older adults — especially those living with dementia — a UTI may not present with typical symptoms like burning or pain.

Instead, the first signs are often sudden changes in behaviour or thinking.

⸻

⚠️ Common Signs of a UTI in Dementia
• Sudden confusion or increased disorientation
• Hallucinations or delusional beliefs
• Increased agitation or aggression
• Withdrawal or unusual quietness
• Increased sleepiness or lethargy
• Refusing care or food
• Sudden increase in falls
• Strong-smelling or cloudy urine
• Increased frequency or urgency

🚩 A rapid change is a red flag.

⸻

🧠 Why Does This Happen?

Infection causes inflammation in the body.
In people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the brain is already vulnerable.

Even a mild infection can trigger:
• Delirium
• Behavioural changes
• Increased cognitive decline

⸻

🩺 What To Do If You Suspect a UTI

✔ Contact the GP promptly
✔ Request a urine sample test
✔ Monitor fluid intake
✔ Record behaviour changes
✔ Start antibiotics if prescribed

Early treatment often leads to noticeable improvement within 24–72 hours.

⸻

💧 Prevention Tips
• Encourage regular hydration
• Support good personal hygiene
• Prompt regular toileting
• Avoid prolonged use of incontinence pads if possible
• Monitor for subtle changes

⸻

❤️ Important Reminder

A sudden behaviour change is often medical — not “just the dementia.”

Always rule out infection first.

23/02/2026

I’ve been Nominated for proud of bucks awards🥹🥹🥹

Vote now! https://orlo.uk/KSSaZ

⭐ Proud of Bucks Awards 2026 - Nominations NOW OPEN! ⭐

Do you know someone making a real difference in your community?

A project, group or volunteer who deserves recognition for going above and beyond?

This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the people and initiatives that help make Buckinghamshire such a fantastic place to live.


✨ Award Categories

Nominate those who are making an impact in your areas:

- Newcomer Award – celebrating projects or groups launched in the last 18 months

- Environmental Impact Award – improving our local environment

- Improving Health & Wellbeing – supporting healthier, happier communities

- Reducing Social Isolation – helping people feel connected

- Town & Parish Council Community Award – council community projects

- Community Connectedness Award – bringing neighbours together

- Adult Volunteer of the Year – recognising dedicated volunteers

- Young Volunteer of the Year – recognising our younger volunteers

- School or College Community Contribution – education settings supporting their community

- Lifetime Achievement Award – honouring a lifetime of service to Buckinghamshire-led community projects

Help us celebrate the amazing work happening across Bucks. Nominate today and give someone the recognition they deserve.

Vote now using the link in the comments!




The Clare Foundation

23/02/2026

I’ve put together a little information sheet about the changes around food choices at the late stages of Dementia. I thought it might help explain why sweet foods are often preferred.

“In the later stages of dementia, it’s actually quite common for a person to lose interest in regular meals and instead gravitate toward sweets. This is often because their sense of taste or appetite changes over time, and sweet foods tend to be easier to recognize or comfort them. We want to make sure they’re still getting calories and staying nourished, but we also need to be patient and compassionate as these preferences shift.”

Follow for more interesting insights..

Louise Donaghy Private Care

23/02/2026

Supporting Delusional Beliefs in Alzheimer’s

A Guide for Families

When Your Loved One Believes Something That Isn’t “Real”

You may notice your loved one talking to photographs as if people are present, preparing meals for family members who are not there, saying relatives are visiting, or feeling responsible for caring for
others. These experiences can feel completely real to them.
This is common in Alzheimer’s.

Why Does This Happen?
Alzheimer’s affects how the brain processes time, memory and reality. Long-term memories are often stronger than short-term memory, and the brain struggles to distinguish past from present.

Emotional memories feel current, and familiar life roles (mother, host, carer) often re-emerge. A
photograph or memory can trigger a powerful feeling that loved ones are physically present.

Is It an Infection?
Sudden behavioural changes should always be checked medically. Possible signs of infection or
delirium include rapid change from usual behaviour, increased confusion over hours or days, agitation or distress, reduced appetite, sleepiness or extreme restlessness, and fever or physical symptoms. If unsure, contact the GP for medical review.

How Should You Respond?
Correcting or arguing often increases distress. Instead, acknowledge the feeling, validate the role, and gently redirect if needed. Step into their world rather than pulling them out of it.

When To Be Concerned
Seek advice if they become distressed or frightened, stop sleeping entirely, are unsafe (for example cooking overnight), are not eating or drinking, or there is sudden worsening.
Safety and wellbeing
always come first.

Louise Donaghy – Professional Care at Home
Louise Donaghy Private Care

23/02/2026

“Thanks Louise and thank you so much for organising Mum’s Eaves Court birthday celebrations! You really made Mum’s day!”
Clients Son N

Thank you N, that’s so kind of you to say ❤️ It was an absolute pleasure celebrating with her – she had the biggest smile and that’s what it’s all about. So glad she had a lovely day!

17/02/2026

“I would recommend Louise to anyone looking for a private carer in the Risborough area.
My Mum has Alzheimer’s, and she has been refusing carers, but Louise is such a kind and friendly person, my Mum has really bonded with her and misses her on the days she’s not there!
Louise has been really helpful to me also, she has given me advice, and she often messages me with updates of anything she feels I should know about. She’s just great, she’s absolutely the right person for my Mum- thank you Louise xx”

I feel incredibly grateful today.

I just want to say a huge thank you to my client’s daughter for these very kind words. Your support and trust mean so much to me.

It’s always my priority to make sure the people I care for feel safe, comfortable and genuinely supported — especially when living with Alzheimer’s can make accepting help so difficult at first. Hearing that your Mum feels happy and comfortable with me truly means the world.

Thank you for trusting me with her care. It’s an absolute privilege 💛

16/02/2026

Why This Role Matters

Recovery and wellbeing extend far beyond medical treatment. Day-to-day support, encouragement, and human connection play a crucial role in how individuals experience their recovery and ongoing quality of life.

My role exists to bridge the gap between clinical care and everyday living — supporting people to feel safe, valued, capable, and supported in their own homes and communities

Personal Values

I am guided by the following values:
• Dignity and respect
• Compassion and empathy
• Independence and empowerment
• Trust and reliability
• Kindness and professionalism

These values shape every interaction and decision I make in my work.

21/10/2025

ME.

Taking the time to learn a little more about me and the care I provide.

Caring for others has always come naturally to me — it’s something I genuinely enjoy and feel privileged to do. I believe that good care is about more than just practical help; it’s about kindness, patience, and truly listening to the person you’re supporting. I take time to get to know each person and their family, so the care I give feels personal, comfortable, and respectful of their routines and wishes.

Over the years, I’ve supported people living with a wide range of needs — from companionship and household help to more complex personal and specialist care. I have particular experience with dementia (both early and late stages), Parkinson’s, and palliative care, as well as mobility and rehabilitation support. I’m confident using equipment such as hoists and Sara Stedy, and I always work in a calm and reassuring way.

I’m fully self-employed, insured, and hold an enhanced DBS (clean and up to date). I keep my training current with regular NHS-accredited courses in Dementia Awareness, First Aid, Safeguarding, and Palliative Care, to name a few.

Outside of work, I’m very family-orientated and enjoy being outdoors — I find nature helps me stay balanced and positive, which reflects in my caring approach. Friends and clients often describe me as reliable, friendly and easy to talk to, and I’m proud of the trusting relationships I’ve built with the people I support and their loved ones.

If it would be helpful, I’d be very happy to arrange a friendly chat or visit so we can talk through your needs and see how I can best support you or your loved one.

Louise Donaghy
Independent Carer & Dementia Friend

Feel free to message me through Facebook or email Louise.donaghy@hotmail.com
Donaghy Private Care

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Below are some photos of me in life and work 💗