Your senior loved one may be prone to stress because of existing medical conditions, loneliness, chronic pain, or financial burdens. Excessive stress can raise the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, poor sleep, and loss of appetite. Here are five things you can do to lower your loved one’s stress levels.
1. Suggest Outdoor Activity
Engaging in mild outdoor exercise can be a powerful stress reliever. Taking a leisurely nature stroll, especially when the sun is shining, can boost mood and relieve stress. Also, sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, which is also thought to play a role in reducing stress. Stress is one of many components that can contribute to decreased mental and physical health in seniors.
Some older adults need assistance and encouragement to get outside and be more active. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Monitor Sleep Habits
Getting enough restorative sleep is thought to play an important role in the reduction of depression and stress. If your loved one experiences chronic pain, cognitive deficits, or frequent nocturnal urination as a result of taking diuretic medications, he or she may be unable to sleep at night. At the first sign of insomnia, make an appointment with a physician to examine your loved one and implement a plan of care to restore an effective pattern of sleep. Once your loved one starts experiencing restful sleep patterns, stress levels may decrease.
3. Offer Nutritious Foods
When seniors fail to consume nutritious foods, dietary deficiencies can develop. If your loved one becomes deficient in B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, or potassium, he or she may experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Make sure your loved one eats nutrient-dense, healthy foods for all meals and snacks. However, if his or her appetite is poor, see the doctor to determine if your loved one has a nutritional deficiency. If so, an over-the-counter supplement may be recommended. Once deficiencies have been reversed, stress levels may be reduced.
If your loved one needs help preparing nutritious meals to stay healthy, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Lincoln, CA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
4. Encourage Socialization
Lack of socialization can cause stress in aging adults. Many seniors are socially isolated because they’re no longer able to drive or have limited mobility. Also, many older adults don’t have as many friends as they once did and don’t have any people to socialize with. To increase your loved one’s level of socialization, take him or her out to lunch or dinner on a regular basis, schedule shopping trips, suggest joining a senior or community group, and ask family and friends to visit more often.
5. Consider Pet Therapy
Exposure to animals can play a significant role in stress relief. If your loved one doesn’t have a pet, take a trip to an animal shelter or petting zoo. Animal therapy may help an anxious senior calm down if he or she is having a difficult time managing stress. If your loved one is physically and emotionally able to care for an animal, suggest adopting a dog or cat. Pet ownership also keeps seniors active and gets them outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Stress is one of the many health concerns seniors may face in the golden years. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Lincoln, CA, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call one of our Care Managers at (916) 226-3737 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.