Approaching Your Elderly Loved One When They Have Anxiety

Anxiety among seniors does not differ greatly from how anxiety manifests among younger adults.

They suffer from constant worrying and are overly concerned about various issues while being aware that they worry more than necessary, perhaps even insisting on needing personal care assistance in Pennsylvania when they haven’t been assessed yet, among other impulsive behaviors that are obviously from wanting to constantly feel in control.

They also have difficulty relaxing, sleeping, and focusing, and will startle easily. Moreover, they suffer from physical symptoms such as fatigue, headache, muscle pains, and even hot flushes.

So, while you would need to have the right approach, the questions you will ask will not be that far removed from what you would ask a friend.

This said, how would you go about this approach?

As a home care provider in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania ourselves, let us at Goodwill Healthcare, Inc. share to you how we advise family members of our patients to do it.

• Be calm and reassuring, taking care to be supportive to them but without supporting their anxiety. Do not point out their mistakes or make them feel guilty about them getting home maker services through a home care in Poconos, Pennsylvania provider because of their inability to do it at this time.
• Acknowledge their fears but do not play along with them. Instead, encourage them to engage in social activities where possible.
• Offer them assistance in getting them help from a mental health professional so they can get the professional help they need.