Sundays: Why They Can Be Hard, and Things That Might Help

If you care for someone with a dementia, you may have noticed that Sunday feels different to the rest of the week. For many carers, it is the day they find hardest, even though it once might have been your favourite day of the week.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and there are good reasons why Sundays can feel difficult.

Why Sunday can feel different

It's the day that we associate with family. Sunday has long been considered a day of family coming together, having a roast, playing board games, or watching a family programme together and so it can end up being the day you notice most who isn't here anymore, or who cannot visit as often as they used to.

Routine matters more than you might expect. For someone with a dementia, routine offers real comfort and orientation. A day with nothing planned can lead to restlessness or anxiety which is harder for someone with a dementia, and tends to be harder for carers too.

The services you rely on are closed. During the week there may be regular events, groups, or clubs that you visit. This is not just a break for you, it gives the day structure and offers connection to other people in the same boat. On a Sunday, that structure typically disappears as many services are closed on weekends.

You lose your support as well. During the week you might get a much-needed break or a few minutes to yourself while someone else is there to help you. Often on a Sunday, that level of support isn't available.

The quiet can be unsettling. Fewer cars outside, shops shut early, the phone not ringing. It can make the day feel very still, and that stillness can be lonely.

Things that can help

None of these need to be complicated, and you don't need to do all of them. Small, repeatable things often make the biggest difference.

Give the day its own shape. Even something small like the same breakfast, a walk at the same time or a regular radio programme can offer a sense of structure. It can help the person you care for feel settled which will probably make you feel more settled too.

Plan one point of contact. Whether this is a phone call or a visit with a friend or family member or just popping for a coffee and a slice of cake at a local café, having interactions with others can be really comforting.

Try familiar music. Sitting together and listening to music from years gone by can be calming and can spark a real moment of connection even when conversation might be difficult.

Get outside if you can. Spending time in the garden, or even a short walk to the end of the road and back can lift your mood more than you might expect.

Be kind to yourself. It's ok to ask a friend or relative to call round, or simply to say out loud that today feels tough. You don't have to manage every Sunday on your own. Let people close to you know how you feel – they might not have any idea that Sundays feel hard sometimes.

You are not managing this badly

If you don't necessarily look forward to Sunday, please know this is a shared experience, not a sign that you are doing anything wrong. A small routine, a familiar voice on the phone, and giving yourself permission to ask for help can all make a real difference.

If you would like to talk to someone, or find out what support is available near you, do get in touch with Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight or Parklands. We understand, and we are here.