Stress is a natural human response. However, when someone is excessively stressed it can cause havoc on their body and mind. If your elderly loved one is stressed a lot of the time, it is important that you talk to them about it. Before doing so, though, there are some top things that seniors should know about stress. After reading these things, you will be more prepared to talk to your elderly loved one and have their homecare aides work with them this issue.
Everyone Gets Stressed
It is important for your elderly loved one to know that everyone gets stressed. They are not the only one. Hopefully, knowing that they aren’t alone, will help them to feel a little better. You should talk to your elderly loved one about their stress. Let them explain to you why they are stressed out. The more understanding you are of their stress and the more they see that they aren’t alone, the better they should start to feel.
Stress is Good Sometimes
It is important to know that stress is good sometimes. Many people think that all stress is bad. However, sometimes, stress can motivate people to make positive changes in their life. For example, if your elderly loved one is stressed about their finances, they might be motivated to sell some of their belongings that they don’t need. This can clear up room in their house, so it isn’t as cluttered.
Stress Can Be Handled with the Help of Homecare Services Providers
There are numerous ways to handle stress. In fact, there are many specific programs and apps designed to manage stress. There are also many lifestyle changes that your elderly loved one could make to handle their stress. You or a homecare provider can help your loved one to manage their stress. You can help them download a stress-management app. Their homecare providers can come over for lunch, so your loved one has someone to vent to. You and the homecare providers can help your loved one make a list of stress-relieving techniques. This way, when they are stressed, they can pick something from that list to do.
These are some of the top things that senior citizens need to know about stress. If your elderly loved one has been stressed out, be sure to talk to them about the things that are mentioned here today. The more you talk to your elderly loved one about what is stressing them out, the more you can help them to come up with a solution to reduce that stress. Just remember, if your elderly loved one’s stress is too high, you may want to have them see their doctor for a check-up.
Sources: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml