Due to many obstacles out of their control, seniors often experience extreme amounts of stress. Watch for the following six signs of stress in your aging loved one.
1. Changes in Eating Patterns
If your loved one suddenly changes his or her eating habits, he or she might be under an enormous amount of stress. When feeling pressured, some people start eating more food, while others begin consuming less.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Excessive Spending
Spending money excessively is another warning flag of senior stress. This is especially the case if your loved one normally spends very little money due to budget constraints. Some people use shopping as a way to avoid the problems they’re facing.
3. Increased Forgetfulness
When under pressure, some elderly people experience memory problems. If your loved one is stressed, he or she might start encountering difficulty recalling names, directions, or other items that he or she normally remembers easily.
Increased forgetfulness is one of the primary symptoms of dementia in seniors, so it’s important to have your loved one checked by his or her physician. Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of Dementia Care. Portland families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care.
4. Frequent Insomnia
People who are stressed often experience frequent bouts of insomnia. If your loved one suddenly can’t fall asleep at night, you need to investigate the cause of the problem quickly.
5. Mood Swings
Stress causes some elderly people to experience debilitating mood swings. If your loved one feels pressured, he or she might become:
- Irritable
- Depressed
- Lethargic
- Isolated
6. Frequent Illnesses
If your loved one becomes stressed for a long time, his or her immune system might be negatively impacted. Prolonged stress could make your loved one more prone to succumbing to illnesses. Stress can also lengthen the duration of an illness.
Seniors who need help reducing their stress levels and making healthier lifestyle choices can benefit from professional in-home care. In Greater Portland, at-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Reach out to us at Assisting Hands Home Care if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (503) 928-8353.