Estimates are that as many as 20% of seniors could suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders can impact the quality of a senior’s life. And they can impact a senior’s health and well-being too. The most common anxiety disorders that affect seniors are:

• Panic Disorder: Panic disorder can cause symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, trouble breathing, dizziness, abdominal pain or pressure, and a sharp fear of dying.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Seniors with OCD develop rituals they must do like hand washing, counting, checking or cleaning.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Common symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, numbing of emotions, depression, being easily startled, and feeling angry, irritable or distracted.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This chronic disorder causes physical symptoms such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache, or nausea.

For many seniors anxiety gets worse at night. Typically that’s because at night seniors are alone. They may feel lonely, scared, confused, or depressed at night. And that can cause the symptoms of anxiety to be worse. Medication may help seniors who have anxiety. It’s important for seniors to talk to their doctor if they are experiencing severe anxiety symptoms. Some other things that can help seniors manage anxiety are:

24-Hour Home Care

24-hour home care is one of the best types of care for seniors aging in place. It can be very helpful for senior with anxiety disorders to have 24-hour home care. With around the clock care seniors are never alone. It can take away a lot of their stress and anxiety to know that they aren’t alone. Seniors have someone to talk with and do activities with. And they know that they can sleep peacefully because someone is awake and looking out for them.

A Bedtime Routine

A bedtime routine or ritual can also help seniors manage anxiety at night. Things like going to bed at the same time every night or taking a warm bath before bed can help seniors put away their anxiety and settle down to sleep. Journaling is a great thing to add to a bedtime routine. It gives seniors the chance to write out all their worries and concerns and get rid of them before sleeping.

A Nightly Check In Call

Sometimes seniors just need to hear from their loved ones to feel better. A very quick five minute call at a set time every night can reassure seniors that you are ok. That way they won’t worry about you. And you will get to know that your senior parent is ok. A check-in call each night is a great way to stay connected to your senior parent if you live far away. It will give you both peace of mind.

A Comfortable Bedroom

Seniors should put some effort into making their bedroom as comfortable and soothing as possible. A good mattress, low lighting, and plants are all great things to have in the bedroom. Seniors should also not have a TV in the bedroom. A radio or music player is a good thing to have though, so they can play soothing music at night.

Sources:
https://www.ncoa.org/article/anxiety-and-older-adults-a-guide-to-getting-the-relief-you-need
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-anxiety-in-older-adults
https://www.mhanational.org/anxiety-older-adults

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable 24-hour home care in Griffin, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.

We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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