Because of worrying about age-related concerns, some seniors may experience higher levels of stress than younger adults. To prevent further health concerns, it’s important to recognize the causes of the stress and find ways to alleviate them. Consider these five common reasons that may be the source of your senior loved one’s stress.
1. Loss of Independence
Studies show one of the biggest concerns among seniors is the ability to retain independence for as long as possible. Worries about aging in place, relying on others, and performing daily tasks independently are common causes of stress for seniors. After having been a self-sufficient adult for many years, your loved one may find it stressful to think about what capabilities he or she might lose in the future and when those losses might occur. One way to help your loved one face fears of losing independence is to talk about plans for the future, including those regarding home care, and involve him or her in the decision-making process. Your loved one may feel more in control of his or her daily life if he or she still has a say in both large decisions and everyday choices. Reassure your loved one you don’t want to take away his or her independence and that you understand the nervousness and frustration he or she is feeling.
The fear of losing their independence can be especially stressful for seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Amarillo families can rely on Heroes Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
2. Financial Security
Many seniors have reached the age of retirement, either voluntarily or because it has become too difficult to work anymore. This means many aging adults live on fairly limited fixed incomes, and some rely exclusively on social security checks to meet their needs each month. Thus, worrying about how to make ends meet is a serious concern. One of the best ways to alleviate your parent’s stress about finances is to sit down together and go over his or her budget. Offer to help your loved one make revisions if need be, and look for creative ways to help him or her save money, such as looking online for coupons and learning how to shop for the lowest prices on a variety of items.
3. Health Concerns
The likelihood of developing various health conditions increases as a person ages. While adults in their thirties and forties have limited concerns about having heart attacks or strokes or developing dementia, these concerns are much more prevalent among seniors. Surveys show worrying about serious health problems developing is one of the leading causes of stress for the elderly. Seniors often worry serious illnesses will reduce their quality of life and independence. You can help your loved one address health concerns by encouraging him or her to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Your loved one should also have regular checkups and keep on top of preventive tests that can catch problems before they become severe.
Changes in physical health often lead to stress, which can negatively impact a senior’s overall wellbeing. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust home care service experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
4. Loss of Loved Ones
As your loved one gets older, he or she is likely to have a number of friends and acquaintances pass away. This can not only raise concerns about personal health and length of life but also cause feelings of sadness and depression. Stress from worrying about losing close friends is also common. If your loved one does lose someone close, it can help if you understand the grief process and offer a shoulder to lean on when needed. Offer to handle tasks around the house for your loved one, or simply let him or her know you’re open to talking about the loss.
5. Loneliness
As seniors age and experience changes in life, such as losing loved ones, it’s normal for them to become lonely. This can be especially true if changes, such as the loss of a best friend or spouse or the decision to stop driving, cause a significant reduction in the amount of time your loved one spends with other people. Changes in the amount of time spent with others can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness and result in significant stress. Try to ensure your loved one has opportunities to spend time with family members and other seniors. Consider accompanying your loved one to a local senior center once a week or helping him or her learn to email or video chat with friends who live far away.
If you’re concerned about your loved one experiencing stress, one of the best things you can do to alleviate his or her anxiety is provide support and encouragement. When researching agencies that provide home care, Amarillo, TX, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Heroes Home Care. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Heroes Home Care at (806) 803-9991 today.