Becky Moultrie – Assisting Hands Home Care –
Is your elderly loved one feeling a bit stressed lately? Life can be chaotic at times and it can affect people in different ways. Some people try ignoring their stress and that only makes things worse. Other people will pick up negative habits such as drinking, smoking, or eating junk food to handle their stress. These are not good ways to handle stress. It is important that your elderly loved one learns to manage their stress in healthy ways. There are some tips that can help your elderly loved one to do this, and how professional caregivers can help.
Asking for Help
One of the best things that your elderly loved one can do when they are feeling stressed is to ask for help. Asking for help can take the load off from your elderly loved one. It can also give them someone to vent to. The problem is that many elderly people are “too proud” to ask for help. They are used to doing things by themselves. It is important that you remind your elderly loved one you are there to help. You are okay with them asking for help. If they know this, they may be more likely to come to you for help. If your elderly loved one doesn’t or won’t ask for your help, it might be best to hire caregivers to help them. Your elderly loved one might be more willing to get help from someone that isn’t family.
Taking Care of Their Health
If your elderly loved one is stressed about their health, the number one thing they can do is to take steps to improve it. At times, it can be scary when someone has a health problem. For instance, if your elderly loved one has a lump or a changing mole on their skin, they may worry that it is cancer. This can cause a lot of stress. However, if your elderly loved one doesn’t go to the doctor because they are worried, things could get much worse. It is important to remind your elderly loved one to take care of their health. Let them know that no matter what is going on with their health you will be there for them.
Setting Realistic Goals
If your elderly loved one is stressed out because they have so much to do, remind them to start setting realistic goals. One of the reasons they might be stressed is because they have impossible-to-reach goals. You may even need to sit with your elderly loved one and help them set goals that are more realistic. A professional caregiver can also help your elderly parent talk through their goals and work out a plan to achieve them.
Conclusion
These are some of the tips to help your elderly loved one manage their stress in healthier ways. Be sure to share these tips with your elderly loved one right away. A professional caregiver can help your senior take positive steps toward stress relief.