Helping Seniors Manage Stress
Before we deal with stress, let’s first understand what stress is. Stress is defined as the body’s response to situations that require action. Stress is simply your response to challenging or threatening conditions.
Causes of stress are referred to as “stressors,” which are considered chemical or biological substances, environmental conditions, external stimuli or activities that are likely to cause stress to the body. Moreover, stressors can be something that people may find demanding or threatening to their safety.
Effects of Chronic Stress
If our body continues to produce cortisol, norepinephrine and adrenaline daily, it will start to harm our health. Prolonged stress can cause symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Irritability
- Depression
- Insomnia
- High Blood Sugar
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart disease and stroke risk
- Impaired immune function
All of the above are significant health risks, especially for the elderly. When we get older, our bodies become intolerable and more vulnerable to health problems. We must be vigilant to detect signs of stress in our elderly loved ones.
Common Causes of Stress in Seniors
If you notice symptoms, the first step is to identify the cause or “stressor.” Here is a list of stress that can happen to your elderly loved one:
- Lifestyle and financial changes after retirement
- Cost of Healthcare
- Responsibility for the care of others (grandchildren or sick spouse)
- Losing a loved one
- Impaired physical ability (hearing, vision, memory, etc.)
- Chronic illness
- Worry about not being able to live independently and become a burden for family members
Strategies to Help a Senior Manage Stress
There are two general ways to deal with stress:
- Complete stress relief
- Dealing with sources
Stress management is crucial in our life, and you have the opportunity to help your loved ones reduce their grief or stress. Now that you have a better understanding of stress, its effects, causes and how to deal with it, you can help the senior in your care become happier and healthier.
How Safe Hands HHC can help Seniors Manage stress
Are you looking for helpful resources to help your loved ones? Safe Hands Home Healthcare has a very caring and experienced staff of trained home care providers, including nurses, registered nurses and home health aides.
Check out our website and fill out the forms online to learn more about medical care, personal care and other services. If you have any questions and would be happy to help, you can call us at .
