Stress Awareness Month is here, which means it’s time to assess your senior loved one’s mental wellbeing. Often, seniors hide their stress from family and friends, yet they may give off subtle signs they’re facing emotional difficulties.
1. Changes in Eating Habits
When stress builds up, it can wreak havoc on a senior’s appetite. Yet it’s important to understand that some seniors will stop eating, while others will eat more. Take note of your loved one’s behaviour at mealtimes. If you notice your loved one tends to push food around on the plate or you see food expiring in the refrigerator, he or she may be stressed. Weight fluctuations are another indicator of a senior overburdened by stress.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. InCasa Home Care Services is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Fluctuating Sleep Habits
Sleep patterns are one of the first things to be affected by stress. Seniors may experience insomnia or wake up frequently throughout the night. However, some seniors may experience excessive sleepiness and begin napping more often during the day.
3. Increased Worrying
A senior who once let things roll off his or her back then suddenly starts claiming everything is a crisis may be overreacting to stress. When this happens, you may notice your loved one uses minor everyday incidents as a way to take his or her mind off the real issues at hand. For example, your loved one may declare an emergency over a bad haircut when he or she is really worried about results from a recent medical test.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to InCasa Home Care Services, a leading provider of Home Care Edmonton, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
4. Skipping Social Activities
Stress sometimes leads seniors to withdraw from their family and friends. Isolation sets up a vicious cycle for stress, since social support is important for helping seniors manage feelings of anxiety and depression. If you notice your loved one stops being as social as he or she once was, it’s especially important to continue offering companionship as he or she works through the stress.
For families living in Edmonton, in-home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At InCasa Home Care Services, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Reach out to us if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today.
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