You may have thought your elderly loved one was always one of the most carefree people you knew, never letting anything bother them and appearing not to have a care in the world. But now, as you help them with their daily living activities, you’ve begun to notice things that may indicate that they are struggling with anxiety. Whether this is a new development or something they’ve always had but hid from the world, anxiety is common in seniors and can interfere with their ability to fully enjoy life, and can even lead to other health conditions. A home care agency can step in and help with those daily living activities that may be creating anxiety in your loved one.
Anxiety and the Elderly
The most common form of anxiety is called General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and is usually marked by constant worry and fear. The individual suffering from it may understand that their fear and worry are unfounded, but they can’t seem to stop their brain from fixating on negative “what ifs” and possible bad scenarios. It can rob them of the ability to live in the moment and enjoy the joy that is present. It is more common in elderly women, and can often occur or escalate after the death of a close loved one (like a spouse), or a severe health diagnosis.
What Do Anxiety Symptoms Look Like For Seniors
For your loved one, a lot of the symptoms will be internal, impossible for you to recognize, but they’ll feel them. They might feel like their heart is racing all the time, they can’t catch their breath, or they can’t control their thoughts. Headaches and muscle aches are common as they are constantly tensed up, waiting for the next bad thing to happen.
As a caregiver, you might notice some of these behaviors that could be brought on by their anxiety:
- Complaints of not feeling well- having bad headaches, feeling exhausted, or getting ill more often.
- Refusing to participate in activities they used to enjoy, such as shopping or going to their place of worship.
- Expressing fear or panic during routine activities.
- Obsessing on something like a war across seas or a disease they are not likely to have.
- An inability to sleep at night and/or sleeping too much during the day. They might use sleep to escape their anxiety.
- New ritualistic behaviors, such as excessive hand washing or checking the locks.
Getting Help for Anxiety
Professional help is important if your loved one is experiencing consistent anxiety that is interfering with their quality of life. They’ve retired and should be able to enjoy it. While many seniors may struggle with seeking out help, reminding them that getting help is normal and will let them enjoy life again more fully can be motivating to them.
Some seniors may find that their anxiety has been connected to feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities they have in their home and their inability to keep up with it all. Home care providers can support your loved one through assisting with home care duties such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. A home care provider can also help your loved one with personal care at home, such as bathing, grooming, or getting dressed.
Combining treatment with some added assistance around the home can help your loved one feel less anxious and ready to face each day.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Boca Raton, FL, please contact the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926.
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida, including Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward County.
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