As needs and abilities change, many seniors grow fearful of becoming burdensome to their loved ones, but also experience stress and anxiety about being alone. Losing independence along with the strain of living on a fixed income can be overwhelming. However, there are many ways you can ease your elderly loved one’s mind and help him or her de-stress.
Encourage Social Engagement
After retirement, many seniors worry about things that might or might not happen in the future. Too much time spent wondering “what if” often means seniors lack balance in their lives and sufficient, socially engaging activities to occupy their time. Encourage your loved one to join social programs at a local senior center or to enroll in dance, painting, yoga, or cooking classes. Social engagement is a great way to chase unnecessary fears away and alleviate stress. It also puts seniors in contact with others who share their fears and frustrations and gives them the opportunity vent in environments filled with mutual understanding.
Express Your Willingness to Help
Having conversations with your loved one about money, the decision to age in place, and what he or she might do if cognition and mobility levels decline is never easy. Many seniors are protective of their independence, even when they are no longer physically or mentally able to maintain it. Start these conversations off by expressing your willingness and readiness to help. This opens the door for your loved one to ask for additional support when he or she needs it without becoming stressed.
Suggest In-Home Care
When seniors are reticent to give up their autonomy by moving in with family members, hiring a professional in-home caregiver can help ease the transition. Kitchener home care professionals can alleviate your loved one’s physical and emotional stress by helping with activities he or she can no longer complete without assistance. Assistance with housework, laundry, cooking, and personal care can help make life easier and happier for your loved one while he or she ages in place.
Offer Transportation
Losing the ability to safely operate an automobile can lead to a great deal of stress. Many seniors feel trapped once their driving privileges are gone. You can help your loved one de-stress by offering transportation assistance or by arranging for him or her to receive transportation from a caregiver in Kitchener.
Identify Community Resources
Many seniors can have a higher quality of life if they seek out the various community resources within their reach. Help your loved one identify free or low-cost meal delivery services, municipal transportation services for the elderly, tax help for retirees, food banks, and other options in community support. Seniors who are living with degenerative illnesses such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can also connect with elder law attorneys, senior care advocates, and low-cost, long-term planning services. This extra support can make managing major life changes far less stressful.
Seniors under stress often develop other health conditions, but you can help your loved one prevent this by keeping him or her relaxed and healthy. For help promoting your loved one’s emotional wellbeing, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers are available 24/7 to provide companionship for your loved one as well as help with a wide variety of daily tasks. We also offer specialized Parkinson’s, stroke, and Alzheimer’s care in Kitchener for seniors who need more comprehensive care. For more information, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (519) 954-2111 to schedule a free in-home consultation.