Many people assume seniors don’t get stressed because they are retired. But stress doesn’t just stem from having a lot of things to do. Stress can also come from circumstances in life such as losing a loved-one, financial worries and isolation. Losing their mobility can also be a stress factor to many seniors.
Illustration for article titled Signs of Stress in Seniors and How to Address Them

Stress signs for seniors might not be the same as the usual signs we see. In seniors, stress can manifest in their eating habits. They can over eat or lose their appetite. Seniors who are stressed out may also exhibit negative behavior such as irritability and withdrawal from society. It can also affect their cognitive functions such as memory. Stressed out seniors may become more forgetful and may not be able to concentrate that well.

Home care for seniors in Vancouver should include strategies on stress management. Primary caregivers can use the following tips to help seniors manage their stress:

1. Identify common causes of stress and make plans on how to address them.

If the senior stresses out over lack of mobility, getting physiotherapy to improve balance, strength and mobility can help. Making the house more manageable and easier to navigate around in can also reduce the stress of performing day to day tasks.

For those who suffer from grief after losing a loved-one, providing a support system is important. Companionship can also help in ensuring that your loved-one doesn’t suffer from isolation.

2. Do outdoor activities.

Spending time outdoors can help a lot in managing stress. Sun exposure works in regulating mood and behavior and also improve disposition. Going somewhere new and taking in new scenery can also diver the mind of the senior off of his/her present worries.

As a part of home care for seniors in Vancouver, you can take your senior loved one out for a walk. Do outdoor picnics with your family every now and then. Even just spending time in your own backyard can help.

3. Try natural remedies for stress relief.

Aromatherapy is a known treatment for stress. You can use essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, jasmine, chamomile and clary sage. You can use an essential oil diffuser to emit the scents of these essential oils to create a relaxing atmosphere at home.

4. Find activities that can induce laughter.

Laughter, as they say, is the best medicine. Look for activities that can encourage your senior loved-one to laugh. Watch a funny movie together or do parlor games at home.

Home care for seniors in Vancouver should include steps on how to manage stress. When it comes to home care for seniors in Vancouver, you can make a plan together with professionals from Just Like Family Home Care to provide the best care for your senior loved-one.

Tim Barrett is the author of this article. To know more about Home Health Care Vancouver please visit our website: justlikefamily.ca