How to Help Burlington, VT Older Adults Manage Anxiety with Senior Care

Anxiety is a common problem many older adults deal with daily. The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation reports as many as 10 to 20 percent of older adults suffer from anxiety. Although common, anxiety is not a normal part of the aging process. Anxiety can make a serious impact on their health long-term if left untreated.

Read below for senior care tips to help older adults better manage their anxiety and find treatment.

Common Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety reveals itself in many different ways. Below are five of the most common anxiety disorders along with signs and symptoms to watch out for:

1. Panic disorder: characterized by panic attacks, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness.
2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): identified by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (i.e. obsessions) or uncontrollable behaviors (i.e. rituals).
3. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): GAD is an exaggerated, intense worry about everyday things such as money, social events, or work. It is characterized by headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentration, insomnia, trembling, and nausea.
4. Phobia: unrealistic, disabling fears about things that typically pose little risk. Common phobias include acrophobia (fear of heights) and astraphobia (fear of storms).
5. Post-traumatic stress disorder: Triggered by a traumatic event, this anxiety disorder may cause depression, flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, or distractibility.

How Anxiety Impacts Physical and Mental Health

Research has shown anxiety increases the risk of memory problems, physical disability, memory problems, and death. Also, The National Alliance on Mental Health reports anxiety disorders can occur alongside other mental health issues, including depression and ADHD. If an older adult is dealing with anxiety, they could be dealing with other physical and mental ailments at the same time.

The Struggle of Diagnosing Anxiety and Getting Treatment

Often, anxiety is misdiagnosed in seniors. This is largely due to its physical symptoms, which can be diagnosed for another health condition.

Do you believe your loved one may suffer from anxiety? If so, schedule an appointment with their preferred healthcare provider. Express your concerns with them and what anxiety disorder you believe they may have. Anxiety treatments available include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.

How to Support Older Adults During Treatment

Anxiety treatments can be difficult to adjust to. To best support your loved one, be their support system. Provide a helping hand or a listening ear whenever you can. If there are times when you can’t provide as much support as you would like, hiring a senior caregiver is a great option.

Visiting Angels of Vermont, for example, provides its clients with specialized senior care. For clients with anxiety, for example, one of our caregivers can help them with relaxation techniques, remind them to take their medication or transport them to doctor’s appointments.

Call Visiting Angels of Vermont at 802-862-8777 to learn more about our senior care and how we can help your loved one feel safe and comfortable in their own home.