Assist Seniors in Managing Their Anxiety in Greater Schererville, IN
Anxiety is frequently defined by panic episodes, phobias, continuous thoughts, and agonizing concerns. It is not, however, a typical aspect of aging. In fact, if left untreated, it may indicate a mental health illness that could seriously harm the health and wellness of your elderly loved one.
Family caregivers can help their senior loved ones manage anxiety and receive the necessary treatment by using the following suggestions.
Understand the Causes and Signs of Anxiety Disorders in Seniors in Schererville, IN, and The Nearby Areas
Recognizing the symptoms and indicators of anxiety is one of the first stages in helping your senior manage it.
Each type of anxiety illness has unique traits that can include:
Certain Phobias
Severe, incapacitating anxiety of things like thunderstorms, crowds, or heights that actually present minimal threat.
Anxiety disorders
Physical signs of panic attacks include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations of the heart.
(OCD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Recurring, unpleasant thoughts, referred to as "obsessions," or uncontrollable actions, such as cleaning, counting, or handwashing nonstop that are hard to stop or control, are referred to as rituals.
Anxiety disorders in general (GAD)
Worry that is excessive and persistent about routine tasks that lasts for at least six months. Headaches, exhaustion, tense muscles, trouble focusing, sleeplessness, shaking, and nausea are all possible side effects of GAD. Based on studies published on WebMD, generalized anxiety disorder may be twice as common in older individuals as depression, making it the most common mental health issue among this population.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic events that result in nightmares, flashbacks, melancholy, anger, or distractions can cause post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers aren't precisely sure why older folks have higher anxiety rates than other age groups. Some experts believe that it is related to more chronic pain and disease, more medicine use, financial worries, or the number of losses that come with getting older.
Recognize the Effects of Anxiety on Mental and Physical Wellness
It's easy to ignore anxiety among senior citizens. Studies have shown that anxiety increases the odds of physical impairments, memory loss, and other conditions. This is all due to the numerous negative impacts resulting from a lowered standard of living.
Additionally, anxiety can coexist with other mental health issues, including depression, substance abuse disorders, or bipolar disorder.
Discover How to Diagnose and Treat Anxiety
In older adults, anxiety problems can occasionally be difficult to identify since physical symptoms are often mistaken as other medical issues. Medical conditions can also cause anxiety, either to start or to get worse. It's important to talk to a healthcare professional about your loved one's anxiety symptoms if they are present.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are two possible treatment choices for those with anxiety.
Help During Anxiety Treatment
Being present, mindful, and providing support is an excellent place to start if your elderly loved one needs treatment for anxiety. In situations where you are unable to be there, a trained home care provider can assist.
Your elderly loved one will feel safer and more secure if you hire a home care service. Having a reliable companion in a comfortable home environment can reduce anxiety in your loved one if it is caused by dementia, sundown syndrome, or loneliness, particularly at night.
By scheduling transportation to and from doctor's offices, reminding your elderly loved one about therapy and prescription appointments, and other supportive tasks; a Visiting Angels caregiver can help your loved one with their anxiety treatment. A caregiver who comes to your home can monitor your loved one's medication for anxiety and alert you of any possible side effects.
When you are unable to be there in person, you may still support your loved one by working with a Visiting Angels caregiver to help them manage their anxiety and treatment.
Contact Visiting Angels of Schererville
During a free in-home care consultation, our Visiting Angels care coordinators can talk about your loved one's anxiety needs. Call 219-322-6100 or get in touch with your local Visiting Angels home care agency right away if you or a loved one would benefit from our helpful home care services.