How Caregivers Can Reduce Fear and Anxiety in Seniors

Seniors can experience anxiety and fear in numerous ways, often caused by confusion and mental health disorders. Although it's very common, anxiety should never be dismissed as normal. If left unaddressed, it can cause other health issues and adversely affect day-to-day life.

Although the majority of cases are unreported, anxiety affects at least 20% of the population. According to the CDC, older adults are less likely to report psychiatric symptoms compared to physical complaints. Here's how caregivers reduce fear and anxiety in seniors:

Identifying Symptom

Each anxiety disorder has its own characteristics and the first step to reducing them is to identify the symptoms. Caregivers will look for:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is a form of anxiety that can leave you generally feeling anxious about life over long periods. Rather than being anxious over one specific event, it can cause anxiety throughout the day.

Panic Disorder

Recurrent panic attacks characterize panic disorder. This includes shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, shaking, numbness or an overwhelming sense of fear.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is defined as obsessively recurring thoughts and behaviors. It causes rituals such as counting, handwashing or other behaviors that are uncontrollable.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is caused following traumatic events. It can trigger depression, irritability, flashbacks, nightmares or other anxieties. It can arise years after the event.

Phobia

Extreme fears of scenarios and things that pose little danger. Such as heights, crowded places or the weather.

Anxiety Warning Signs:

If your loved one exhibits some of the following symptoms, then they may be suffering from an anxiety disorder:

• Abuse of substances
• Avoidance of place, people and scenarios.
• Changes in weight, appetite, or eating habits
• Chest pains
• Compulsive behavior
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Digestion problems
• Dizziness
• Eye and vision problems
• Fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Headaches
• Irrational thoughts
• Irritability
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle tension or soreness
• Nausea
• Nightmares
• Obsessive thoughts
• Panic
• Resistance to leaving home
• Scary thoughts
• Shakiness
• Sleep disturbances
• Sweating
• Withdrawal and isolating behavior

Provide Safety and Security

Caregivers can help seniors suffering from anxiety by making them feel safe and secure. Having a trusted companion around the home can ease feelings of distress, isolation or fears. During panic attacks or tough times, being there also ensures they're never alone or in danger, ensuring your loved one is safe and cared for.

For example, if your loved one is scared of leaving their home, a caregiver can hold their arm or reassure them that they're not alone in the face of their fears.

They'll also work to make your loved one's home a peaceful and relaxed environment. This can include lifestyle changes such as listening to music or avoiding violent TV shows or news (which often lead to confusion and unrest).

A Listener

One of the most effective treatments for any anxiety disorder is talking to someone. Caregivers can offer support by listening to your loved one's concerns and fears, which allows these feelings to be vented rather than build up. The World Health Organization stresses the importance of letting seniors speak openly about fears and confusion.

COVID Protection

Ensuring seniors are safe from COVID has been a significant responsibility of caregivers since early 2020. Caregivers can reassure your loved one by providing reminders for measures such as handwashing and mask-wearing. They will also help avoid and de-escalate any fear mongering or anxiety caused as a result.

Tackling the News

The news in recent times has been nothing but stressful for all sides of the political spectrum. Seniors often become confused and overwhelmed by the fast-moving news, so caregivers can help provide reassurance and clear explanations on current events - from COVID to the election.

Elderly Americans are particularly susceptible to internet scams and misinformation, which can cause unnecessary stress. Caregivers will provide verified news for updates of COVID-19.

Caregivers will also ensure that the news doesn't become an overhanging stress throughout the day by avoiding it at vulnerable times, such as around breakfast or dinner times.

Medication Reminders

If your loved one is taking medication for anxiety or depression, then a caregiver can help provide reminders for medications or therapy appointments. They can also arrange transportation to doctor appointments and ensure they are safe and relaxed during their trip.

Maintain a Routine

Caregivers can keep healthy routines that go a long way to reducing anxiety. For example, avoiding the news until after breakfast can reduce early-morning anxiety. At the same time, a scheduled dinner time can help those suffering from dementia. Routine helps stabilize daily life, to avoid confusion and unexpected situations from arising.

It can also help tackle hours in the day which would otherwise be empty or lonely, as caregivers can schedule activities and time with family members.

Help Seniors Stay Active and Healthy

Exercise has a positive effect on people of all ages, but that's especially true for seniors. Older people who regularly go on walks or participate in basic movements or chair yoga can help release tension and keep your mind and body healthy. Caregivers will also ensure that your loved one is getting enough sunlight, fresh air and eating regular, healthy meals.

Reducing Senior Anxiety at Night

Evenings and nights can be particularly stressful times for seniors. Naturally, many family caregivers can't stay overnight often. That's where senior home care providers help.

Anxiety at night is often referred to as 'Sundown syndrome' or 'Sundowning.'

Sundowning describes mental and behavioral changes that arrive once the sun has gone down. This often includes:

• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Aggression (yelling)
• Ignoring directions
• Pacing or wandering

Senior Home Care for Sundowning

Sadly, sundowning tends to worsen with age and may signal the development of dementia or Alzheimer's (Up to 1 out of 5 people with Alzheimer's have Sundown syndrome). A senior home caregiver will tackle uncomfortable confusion and anxiety by providing comfort. When confusion strikes, reminders of familiar objects, a positive home atmosphere and a healthy routine can help calm your loved one. They'll also:

• Establish a routine
• Limit stimulation from TV or visits during the evening.
• Avoid naps and caffeine intake during the afternoon, which can make falling asleep harder.
• Keep the home well-lit.

Senior Home Care in Tampa, FL

If your loved one suffers from anxiety, depression or fears, contact Visiting Angels today to discover more about how senior home care in Tampa, FL, can help. Call (813) 909-2550. - Available 24 hours.