The mental and physical toll anxiety takes can be exhausting for anyone. For our aging loved ones, it can be especially taxing. This is because some of the tactics normally recommended for anxiety, such as exercise and hobbies, can sometimes be difficult for seniors due to physical limitations.
What Anxiety in Seniors Looks Like
Diagnosing anxiety in seniors can be difficult because symptoms are often less severe than in younger people. While it is never easy to admit worries or fears, especially for senior clients, there are some common symptoms that we can look for in our aging loved ones that can help in diagnosing anxiety:
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Changes in everyday activities
- Mood swings or personality disorders
- Substance abuse (such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco)
When a loved one displays any of these symptoms, they may avoid asking for help from family members or other loved ones. Because they may not ask for help, knowing where the anxiety originates can be difficult. For many seniors, worrying over health, mortality, and even experiencing feelings of guilt for relying on family instead of their own independence can exacerbate anxious feelings. In moments of anxiousness, helping your loved one with regular routines can help them through those moments.
How Daily Routines Can Ease Anxiety in Seniors
Dealing with anxiety can bring a rush of thoughts that seem overwhelming and unapproachable to anyone. When a person’s physical environment is disorganized or cluttered, it can create further chaos for the mind as well. Routines can help create a sense of organization amidst the chaos.
This is especially true for seniors. Possibly already facing discouragement because of limitations they haven’t encountered before, living spaces can quickly become cluttered; familiar routines may shift or disappear. However, bringing simple routines back and assisting with organization and daily tasks can bring a sense of power back to them.
Everyday tasks such as making a bed, vacuuming, or rearranging objects for better accessibility can be very empowering tasks. Not only do small opportunities like these bring a sense of accomplishment, but they also help create a more organized environment that can go a long way toward easing anxieties. These activities can also keep the mind engaged through purposeful, thoughtful decision-making, possibly helping with memory issues.
Finding Help for Your Loved One
It is not always easy to be there for your loved ones all the time, and this can increase your own anxiety. Practice the routines in your own life so that you, too, can understand the importance of their impact. It’s important to take care of yourself while guiding your loved one towards a better routine to ease their anxiety. If there are daily tasks that your loved one is unable to complete by themselves, you can help ease their mind by getting these things done for them. And when you can’t be there, consider getting additional help.
Marquette Home Care Can Help
Serving the Upper Peninsula clients across the Marquette area, including Negaunee, Ishpeming, Harvey, Skandia, and Gwinn, Marquette Home Care can help ease your anxiety by providing support between your visits with our expert home services. Contact us today to get started with routine care for your loved one to ease their anxiety, too.
Sources:
How Is Anxiety Different in Older Adults? Top 10 Things You Should Know
How Spring Cleaning Can Help Manage Stress, According to Psychologists
