As we get older, it’s common to experience various feelings. Coupled with changes in physical and mental health, these emotions can take a bigger toll on a senior’s quality of life than you may have guessed. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are a few of the emotional concerns an elderly individual may struggle with. Reduced independence can play a role in these feelings. However, compassionate in-home caregiving and a senior’s family members can help overcome these struggles, allowing elderly individuals to lead a rich and fulfilling life. As experienced providers of home care in Allentown, PA, we’re familiar with depression and anxiety in seniors and ways to recognize and help manage these concerns.
What Causes Anxiety and Depression in Seniors?
The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry states that anxiety can be a common, yet often undiagnosed, illness for older adults. There are a few factors that can contribute to anxiety and depression in senior citizens.
Reduced physical health and mobility are potential causes of worry. The inability to participate in normal activities and routines can lead to worries about how the person will be able to retain independence and enjoy life. These concerns can cause sadness, too.
Similarly, loss and social isolation can also affect their mood, especially if the senior cannot partake in the things that once brought them joy. In cases where worries and sadness become severe, transforming into anxiety and depression, the individual’s physical health may be affected. Research has found that depression in seniors is linked to increased risk of illness and cardiac diseases.
Although many of us understand that feelings like this are a normal part of such huge life changes and are nothing to be ashamed of, seniors may be reluctant to seek help or reach out to family members. Recognizing the signs of depression and anxiety becomes imperative.
What Are the Signs of Senior Depression and Anxiety?
If you provide family care for your loved one, there are signs you should be aware of. Alternatively, if your relative is receiving home care through an agency like AmeriBest, you can check that their caregiver knows the signs of depression and anxiety and ask them to alert you if they become concerned.
Signs of depression and anxiety in seniors can include:
- Physical symptoms. Physical health and mental health are strongly linked. Depression and anxiety may show up as fatigue, aches and pains, and changes in appetite.
- Behavior changes. While some changes in behavior are to be expected, watch out for significant shifts in your loved one’s actions. Such as not wanting to participate in hobbies or activities they once found enjoyable, social withdrawal, and changes in their sleep.
- Cognitive decline. Unfortunately, depression and anxiety can sometimes be misdiagnosed as cognitive decline. In seniors, depression may be wrongfully deemed dementia. Determining which condition may be affecting your relative is crucial to providing them with appropriate care and support.
How to Navigate and Help Them Cope With These Feelings
Navigating depression and anxiety with a senior member of your family starts with compassionate communication. Letting your loved one know you are a safe person to whom they can communicate concerns is a beneficial first step. Together, you and their caregiver can create a supportive community where they feel comfortable asking for help or speaking about their emotions.
Once it’s established that a senior is dealing with depression or anxiety, seek help. Sometimes, professional counseling services are needed. Often, there are mental health professionals who specialize in senior care and can help your loved one cope with their feelings.
Outside of visits to a mental health professional, family members and caregivers can create an environment at home that is conducive to reducing anxiety and sadness. Help your senior get regular physical activity, both inside and outside the home. Walking in the sunshine can be beneficial to their overall health. Encourage them to participate in fulfilling social activities, whether at their local community center or simply playing a board game with their personal care assistant. You can also provide mindfulness and relaxation techniques for when they feel overwhelmed or isolated, such as tai chi, deep breathing, or meditation.
Choose Supportive and Compassionate Home Care in Allentown, PA
At AmeriBest, we strongly value our seniors’ mental and physical well-being. As such, we provide resources for our staff and paid family caregivers so that they can recognize and address signs of depression and anxiety in elderly individuals. We strive to create a compassionate and caring environment that fosters communication. Our caregivers desire to help your elderly loved ones lead a rich and fulfilling life, free from stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Together, we can improve the quality of life for those in their golden years. Contact us to learn how you can get premiere home care for your loved one in Allentown, Harrisburg, or Philadelphia, PA.
