Recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety in the seniors in your life with your helpful eldercare source, PeachTree Place Assisted Living near Salt Lake City, UT. Our elderly loved ones don’t or can’t always speak out when it comes to mental health issues. By spotting senior anxiety, you can help mom or dad find relief.
Concerning Signs & Symptoms
Anxiety in the elderly might not be obvious to the person suffering. Sometimes worry and fear become regular companions each day, and your elderly friend sees it as a normal part of life. If you suspect anxiety disorder, the best thing to do is seek a diagnosis from your trusted medical professional
In the meantime, there are some signs you can keep an eye on.
- Constant Worry
- Fearful Thoughts That Seem Excessive
- Neglecting Routine Activities Because Of Fear
- Excessive Concerns About Safety
- Avoiding Social Situations
- Self-Medicating With Alcohol Or Medication
- Feeling Weak & Shaky
- Racing Heart
- Shallow Breathing
- Chest Pains
- Depression
- Headaches
- Hoarding
- Nausea
- Sweating
Risk Factors To Know About
Some of us are more likely to experience anxiety later in life. As we start to age, as our bodies change, or as limitations are introduced, worry and fear can increase and lead to more anxiety. A little worry now and then is normal. Once it starts affecting the quality of life, it’s time to get help for senior anxiety.
- A Chronic Medical Condition
- Feeling Unwell Overall
- Medication Side Effects
- Decreased Mobility
- Stressful Life Events
- A Difficult Childhood
Other Anxiety Triggers In Seniors
Anxious feelings can also be triggered by changes that commonly face many older adults. Seniors are often dealing with financial insecurity, losing independence, having to rely on your partner, having to think about end-of-life plans, watching a spouse deteriorate, and losing friends.
Awareness – The First Step Towards Relief
It’s essential to be aware so that you can stay sensitive and be prepared to support your senior through these transitions. Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder, and specific phobias can seem to appear out of nowhere if you don’t know what to look for.
The sooner you spot anxiety, the sooner you can get help.
Helping Seniors With Anxiety
When parents or elderly friends start to seem anxious, you want to make things better. But how? There are many caring ways you can reach out and provide or initiate help.
- Learn Calming Exercises – If yoga is out of the question, try a quiet walk or simple meditation.
- Stick To Reassuring Routines – It’s not stubbornness, it’s a comfort. Doing things the say way helps your senior know what to expect.
- Help Ease Nighttime Stress – That late-night check-in can ease the mind and promote better rest.
- Consider Professional Help – Experienced doctors and therapists can get to the root of the problem and suggest personalized solutions.
- Introduce Social Support – Seniors need more than just a visit now and again. Help them find regular activities they enjoy to discourage isolation.
Advantages Of Senior Living
An assisted living community with senior apartments might provide the supportive environment you need. At PeachTree Place Assisted Living, we offer both physical care and everyday opportunities for social interaction. Many of the helps seniors with anxiety need are built into their daily lives.
Tour Our Supportive Community
Helping seniors with anxiety can be hard. Thankfully, you’re not alone. We provide a supportive senior living community with private apartments, high-quality care, and fantastic amenities. We invite you to stop by and see us at PeachTree Place Assisted Living. Find us in West Have, near Salt Lake City and Ogden, UT. Call today to schedule your tour.
