Anxiety is a common condition among seniors, especially seniors who are aging in place. There are a lot of benefits seniors get from staying in their own homes as they get older, but the isolation can also make their anxiety worse.
Companion care at home is a fantastic way to help your senior parent deal with anxiety. With companion care at home, your senior parent has hours of social interaction with a friendly caregiver every day. They can share meals, watch TV, do activities, or even go out to eat or shopping. When you have a job, small kids, or other responsibilities that limit the time you can spend with your senior parent, companion care at home can be there for your senior parent.
There are also many other things that seniors can do to help manage their anxiety. Medication is one option, and it’s a good idea for seniors to discuss anxiety medication with their mental health provider. But seniors can also use these tips to manage their anxiety.
Anxiety is a common challenge that seniors may face, and managing it effectively is crucial for their overall well-being. Various factors, including health concerns, life transitions, and social isolation, can contribute to anxiety in seniors. Here are tips to help seniors manage anxiety:
Establish a Routine
Having a daily routine can eliminate the anxiety of not knowing what to do or what the day has in store. Giving seniors a sense of structure and predictability can keep anxiety at bay and give seniors a sense of control over their lives. To help with this you can hang up a calendar with appointments, arrival times for companion care at home, visits from family, and other events marked on it.
Going for a Walk
Physical movement is excellent for managing anxiety because it’s active, not passive. It dissipates the energy that builds up in the body. Going for a walk outside changes the scenery and makes sure that seniors are getting fresh air. Going for a walk is a great tool for managing anxiety, even if it’s just a walk around the garden or a walk around the block.
Learn Relaxation Techniques
Seniors can use deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided meditation to help them manage anxiety and eliminate intrusive thoughts. There are lots of different methods of learning these tools including videos online, CDs, and books.
Staying Connected With Loved Ones
Seniors can phone friends and loved ones, text, or video chat with others to maintain their social connections and help eliminate anxiety. Seniors may also want to try social activities like joining a book club, playing social video games, or getting together for coffee with friends regularly.
Getting Professional Help
It’s very common for seniors to not want to seek professional help for depression or anxiety. However talking to a counselor or mental health professional can be a big help, especially for seniors whose anxiety stems from an event like losing a loved one. Gently encourage your senior parent to talk to a mental health professional to help manage their anxiety.
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