Does your elderly loved one have high stress levels? There could be many things that are causing them to become stress. There could be internal and/or external factors that affect their stress levels. Regardless of what is causing it, you can help in certain ways. Knowing more about their stress and tips to manage it is a great start.
Reasons for Stress
There are numerous reasons why your elderly loved one could be stressed. Some of these reasons include the following:
- Relationship issues
- Feeling lonely
- Not being able to do everything they used to be able to
- Depression
- Health issues
These are just some of the causes of stress. No matter what has caused your elderly loved one’s stress to increase, there are ways to manage it.
Signs of Stress
In some cases, people won’t tell others in their life if they are stressed. It would be up to those who are around them to notice it. This may be the case with your elderly loved one. If you or your elderly loved one’s caregivers notice they are:
- Getting headaches often
- Grinding their teeth
- Feeling sick often
- Having chest discomfort
- Not getting quality sleep or enough sleep
- Feeling chronically fatigued
- Losing their appetite or eating too much
- Getting light-headed
- Sweating more than usual
- Becoming irritable
If you or your elderly loved one’s caregivers notice these things going on, it is time to show your elderly loved one more support. Let them know you are there for them and you want to help.
Ways to Manage or Treat Stress
There are so many different ways to manage and/or treat stress. If your elderly loved one thinks they can manage their stress on their own, without the help of a doctor, there are some things you can do to help. Some of these things include:
- Getting them essential oils (certain ones are great for relieving stress)
- Talking to your loved one regularly (this can help them feel less alone and give them a chance to vent)
- Encourage them to exercise and eat healthy (these two things combined can help to reduce stress)
- Have them rest when needed
Some or all of these things might help to lower your elderly loved one’s stress levels. If their stress is too severe, it might be beneficial to have them see a doctor. There might be something else going on.
If your elderly loved one is feeling stressed, the more you can learn about it and how to help them manage it, the better things can be.
Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003211.htm
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/heart-health/manage-stress
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING CAREGIVERS IN ROCKY MOUNT, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.