Aging can be a challenging and stressful process as seniors navigate a variety of physical and emotional changes. From managing chronic health conditions to coping with the loss of loved ones, it’s no wonder that many older adults struggle with stress.
A 2021 study found that 42% of seniors between the ages of 50-80 felt some level of stress, while 28% reported feeling depressed or hopeless.
Fortunately, in-home care can provide an effective solution that helps seniors manage their stress and enjoy a higher quality of life. If you or a loved one is feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the challenges of aging, consider the many benefits that in-home care can offer.
Symptoms of Stress in Seniors
Knowing if your senior loved one feels overwhelmed can be difficult, as signs of stress are often subtle and varied. The symptoms of stress in older adults may show up in many forms, including:
- Tension Headaches
- Back Pain
- Indigestion
- Heart Palpitations
- Poor Concentration
- Indecisiveness
- Crying
- Irritability
- Edginess
Causes of Stress in Seniors
We all have situations and circumstances in our life that cause us to stress, and as we age, some of those stressors can be quite significant.
- Loss of a loved one
- Separation from friends and family
- Loss of employment – whether by choice or not
- Loss of income
- Declining health
- Declining motor skills
- Difficulty sleeping
Understanding the cause of stress is the first step in helping to alleviate it. Speaking openly and honestly with your care team will help you uncover your triggers as well as develop tools to help you manage your stress.
Alleviating Stress
In Harvard Medical School’s Special Health Report on managing stress, they share several tools to help you enhance your well-being through stress management
- Move your body. Regular exercise boosts your feel-good endorphins. Not to mention it improves your overall health.
- Start a meditation practice. There are several apps available for guided meditation to help lower anxiety and stress.
- Practice deep breathing. Not only can it lower stress levels but also pain levels.
- Join a support group. Understanding you aren’t alone in your feelings can provide great comfort. Learn from others who are experiencing your same life challenges and how they are managing.
- Get a pet. Several studies show that a pet has a stress-lowering effect.
- Hire an in-home caregiver. Having additional help relieves stress from the primary family caregiver. It also gives your senior a “friend” who visits regularly in which to connect with and confide in. In-home care brings great value to all members of the family.
What is In-Home Care?
In-home care is a group of services – including but not limited to help with the Activities of Daily Living, managing medications, transportation, meal planning and shopping – offered to anyone who needs help to live independently. The services are tailored to meet the individual’s needs and can provide much-needed assistance with everyday tasks that may otherwise be difficult or stressful. The presence of a professional in-home caregiver also offers seniors companionship and emotional support that can help reduce their overall stress levels.
The Benefits of In-Home Care
- In-home care helps seniors stay independent for as long as possible. In-home caregivers assist with daily activities that become more difficult with age, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and mobility. They help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life, providing comfort and a safe environment.
- In-home care provides a comforting and familiar environment. Seniors remain in their homes, surrounded by memories and their belongings, giving them stability and familiarity. In-home care helps reduce stress and anxiety by providing a calm and supportive atmosphere.
- In-home care offers seniors the opportunity to receive personalized and individualized attention. Caregivers give seniors the one-on-one attention and support they need, whether helping with daily tasks, playing a board game, completing a puzzle, or simply being a companion during the day. This helps reduce loneliness and isolation and provides peace of mind that someone is always there to help.
- In-home caregivers are trained to recognize signs of depression or anxiety. In-home caregivers understand how important it is for seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle and are on the lookout for changes to routines, eating habits, mobility issues, and moods. They can help seniors stay active physically and mentally. Many are also trained in dementia care, which helps those seniors with cognitive impairments receive the highest quality care tailored to their specific needs.
In-home care provides numerous benefits for seniors, including those who are experiencing high-stress levels. They provide your senior the opportunity to stay in their homes, give mental and emotional support, and have the specialized training to recognize signs of trouble. If you are looking to help your loved one manage their stress, you should consider in-home care services.
Comfort Home Care in Rockville, MD, provides seniors with in-home care to help them reduce stress and enjoy the benefits of aging in their homes.
