What 5 Issues Cause Anxiety in Seniors and Elderly?

How can I ease their anxiety?

As caregivers and family of the elderly, knowing which anxieties are of great concern is important. Knowing the possible issues, we can be aware of them and counter the negativity with love, being positive and even a simple plan to avoid some of them altogether.

Money Issues - Worried they'll out live their savings

• People live longer today.
• Healthcare costs increase.
• Uncertainty of how Obama care will affect them
• Retirement savings have decreased due to a poor economy.
• Cost of living risen than anticipated throughout their life
•  If wills or Living Wills are made, have the executor speak with them and review finances. Make plan if possible.
• Assist with reviewing Medicare part A, B, C and D - (prescriptions). Investigate a “Medicare Supplement Insurance” policy (also called Medigap) for when enrollment time is open once a year.

Feeling Useless - feel they're no longer needed or have have a purpose in life

• Let them know they’re still an important part of your life.
• Ask seniors to take care of projects such as organizing family photos so they are needed and useful.
•  Ask advice, or how they did handle a situation you're struggling through now.
• What can they teach someone in the family? A family recipe, crocheting, woodworking, a game.
• ASK them what would bring them joy and how you can help them pursue their interests. (puzzles, old movie DVDs, crafts, fishing?)

Loneliness - Their world & social circles shrink. Their health declines, eyesight and driving is more difficult or they can no longer drive.

•  Plan an outing at least once a month, more if at all possible.
• Encourage and help them attend functions: Church, Bingo, or senior community centers.
• Subscribe to their favorite magazine Reminisce ? This way they look forward to a monthly issue.
• Take them out for a short drive, getting out will feel good.
• Plan to visit a friend who is also lonely and mostly home bound. Take a snack!
• Look into “Adopt a Grandparent” programs.

Elder Abuse and Neglect - often the target of neglect, abuse, and fraudulent scams

• Look into a personal emergency monitoring system, can be used for medical and security emergencies.
• Those being abused usually hide it because of humiliation. Be vigilant about seniors behavior changes toward another, sore arms, bruises on body.
• Arrange for deadbolts on all outside doors.
• Speak to them privately about how they really are feeling and doing. 
• Family and caregivers can ease this worry by letting seniors know they are cared for and protected. Tell them specifically who can talk to if there are problems.
• Pre-program emergency numbers in phone.

Being a Burden to family/caregivers – very few people want to rely on others when everyday tasks become more difficult or time consuming.

• Begin helping early on instead of going in and taking over.
• Encourage them to continue what they are able to do.
• Arrange for several family members and paid caregivers to take turns helping. This way it doesn't become overwhelming to any one person, and their social circle increases. Call Home Helpers Home Care or visit their website to see what options are available.
• Let them know they are loved and enjoyed as you spend time with them.
• When they feel useful, loved, and secure they may not feel like a burden. If you think they are a burden, they will know it.

  Sources:

• Kathy Petrick
• Caring.com
•  Alternatives for Seniors: Writer: Ryan Allen.  Blog: July 31, 2013

I encourage you to get to know me and Home Helpers Home Care Elgin better. Call us today at 630.584.3361 and ask for Diana or Kathy. Visit my website www.Homecareelgin.com.  If possible, LIKE me on Facebook www.facebook.com/HomeHelpersElgin , but most of all spread the knowledge you learn to others. I ALWAYS welcome your comments on  www.homecareelgin.com/blog and await your suggestions on topics.

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