Helping Seniors Manage Anxiety

Anxiety affects people of all ages, but seniors frequently suffer particular challenges that increase their symptoms, such as health issues, financial difficulties, or loneliness. Managing anxiety efficiently is essential for general well-being, but it’s not always easy. The good news is that seniors with home care services have a built-in support system that can encourage them and help them incorporate tips to help manage their anxiety more effectively.

Some of those home care tips are explored further below.

Establish a Routine

Developing a defined daily routine provides predictability and consistency, which can help alleviate anxiety. Home care providers can encourage seniors to set up regular times for meals, exercise, and relaxation activities. Even simple activities like morning walks or evening tea can become calming rituals.

Stay Active

Physical activity is an effective stress reducer. Walking, stretching, yoga, and tai chi are all gentle exercises that can help with anxiety while also boosting physical health.

Many community centers provide senior-friendly exercise classes, allowing them to be active while still socializing. If this isn’t an option, home care providers can help seniors find online classes to enjoy at home.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation

Mindfulness activities, such as meditation and deep breathing, are effective in relieving anxiety. Guided meditation apps, relaxation recordings, and local meditation groups can help make these practices more accessible.

Seniors should be encouraged to devote a few minutes each day to focusing on their breath or mindfully observing their surroundings.

Encourage Social Connections

Loneliness and isolation are major factors in anxiety in seniors. Knowing this, it’s important for them to have regular interactions with family, friends, and neighbors. Some seniors may even enjoy joining clubs, participating in group activities, or volunteering to feel more connected.

Limit Exposure to Stressful Media

While remaining informed is important, excessive exposure to unpleasant news or distressing media can increase anxiety. If possible, seniors should limit their time spent watching or reading the news in favor of more positive or uplifting articles.

Focus on Healthy Sleep Habits

Sleep is essential for maintaining mental wellness. Seniors should be encouraged to develop a relaxing nighttime ritual, avoid coffee and large meals in the evenings, and create a pleasant sleeping environment.

Get Creative

Painting, knitting, playing music, or gardening are all creative activities that provide a sense of accomplishment while distracting seniors from their nervous thoughts. If seniors are unsure what to do, home care providers can offer these ideas or come up with others they might enjoy.

Consider Getting Professional Help

For some seniors, the anxiety becomes too unbearable, even after trying a few of these ideas. In these instances, getting help from a mental health expert is essential. Therapists who specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or geriatric counseling might offer useful tools and strategies for anxiety management. In some circumstances, doctor-prescribed medicine may be advantageous.

Use Technology to Stay Connected

For tech-savvy seniors, video calls, online support groups, and social media platforms might help them feel more connected. For those who aren’t as comfortable with technology, home care can offer support to help.

Anxiety can be managed with the proper techniques and assistance from a strong support system that includes loved ones, home care providers, and the medical team. This is key, as proper management means a better quality of life for many seniors.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Colts Neck, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Lares Home Care (732) 334-3323.

Sources:

• https://aagponline.org/patient-article/anxiety-and-older-adults-overcoming-worry-and-fear/
• https://bluemoonseniorcounseling.com/10-ways-to-relieve-anxiety-in-seniors/#:~:text=Family%20is%20a%20great%20source,senior%20center%20or%20volunteer%20organizations.
• https://www.ncoa.org/article/anxiety-and-older-adults-a-guide-to-getting-the-relief-you-need/

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Roy Kleinert

Owner at Lares Home Care

Roy Kleinert founded Lares Home Care in 2015, when he decided to leave Wall Street and make a shift into the home care industry. During the illness of a family member, he recognized an opportunity to help seniors better age in place with dignity and grace. Roy lives in Marlboro, NJ with his family and his three dogs. Roy is also the certified handler of Lares therapy dogs: Max and Boomer. Together, they visit local hospitals, rehab facilities, and senior living communities, bringing “four-legged-cheer” wherever they go. Lares Home Care is dedicated to providing the highest quality of client care and customer service.

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