Tips To Help Seniors Manage Anxiety

By Marina Pink | January 4, 2024 |

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.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Companion Care at Home in Encino, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call us today at (888) 989-7388

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.