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One of the most alarming conditions a senior can develop is paranoia, a mental state characterized by persistent fears, worries, and accusations that often strike loved ones as irrational or even ridiculous. As a caregiver, you may feel at a loss about how you can help. The first step is to understand the causes of paranoia in the elderly and what symptoms to watch for. Then, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the situation and provide the best treatment for your loved one.
What Causes Paranoia in the Elderly?
Paranoia and extreme anxiety in seniors can often be traced to an underlying medical problem. It’s important to uncover this cause so you can find the proper treatment. Here are some potential health issues that could be to blame for your loved one’s developing paranoia:
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Brain tumors
Stroke, head injuries, or reduced oxygen to the brain causing vascular damage
Psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression
Dehydration- or drug-induced delirium and cognitive impairment
Untreated urinary tract infections
Side effects from certain medications
Symptoms of Paranoia in the Elderly
Don’t let slight behavioral changes go unnoticed, as they could become more frequent and severe if left unaddressed. Here are the signs of paranoia to watch for in your elderly loved one:
Showing extreme agitation, hypervigilance, or stress without explanation
Expressing feelings of unfair persecution
Being easily offended or not handling criticism well
Assigning harmful meanings to others’ words or actions
Having difficulty trusting others
It’s important to note that if a senior’s living situation makes them feel socially isolated, uncomfortable, or depressed, it may intensify the symptoms listed above.
Tips for Caregivers
Caring for a loved one with paranoia can be challenging, to say the least. Distressing behaviors and accusations from an elderly loved one may alienate or frighten family members and friends. As a result, the increased demands of caring for a paranoid older person may become exhausting if not approached the right away. Here are some tips to help caregivers navigate this difficult situation:
Assess the senior’s living environment: If your loved one starts showing symptoms of paranoia shortly after moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home, this could be a sign that they’re not comfortable in this new environment. It may be best to make different arrangements to improve your loved one’s mental health and quality of life.
Patiently explain the situation: A senior may accuse their neighbor of stealing the mail. Instead of being dismissive, investigate these concerns and provide a reasonable explanation: “Mr. Jones isn’t stealing your mail, Dad. Remember, letters aren’t delivered on Sundays.”
Let the senior feel heard and loved: Sometimes, the answer for a stressful situation isn’t to explain the paranoia away. Try to respond with love and understanding to a difficult situation of paranoia.
Keep a record: Daily journaling can help you objectively look for signs of improvement or regression in your elderly loved one. Consider any potential causes that could be triggering the behavior, and show doctors your notes when they perform medical exams.
Reach out for help: Ask your family members for support, connect with other caregivers for advice, or hire a professional caregiving service to provide respite care when you need a break.
How to Treat Paranoia in the Elderly
You’ll find it encouraging to learn that many seniors respond well to treatment. Here are some examples of how isolating the cause of elderly paranoia can help you find an effective treatment:
Problem: A senior thinks her family members are talking about her behind her back.
Solution: A physician can check the senior’s hearing aid and may find that auditory feedback is to blame for her “hearing things.”
Problem: A senior is paranoid about her finances. She accuses her caregiver of stealing her wallet when in reality, she simply misplaced it.
Solution: The family can hire a financial advisor to work with the senior and lay out the facts.
Problem: A senior is convinced his family doesn’t love him anymore because they don’t visit as often as he thinks they should.
Solution: Family members can make an effort to call and visit more, calmly explaining the reality of the situation if accusations arise.
Problem: A senior begins showing signs of confusion and paranoia shortly after a hospital stay involving a catheter.
Solution: A doctor can perform blood work and may discover a urinary tract infection, which causes confusion and delirium in some seniors.
If your loved one’s paranoia is causing distress and exhaustion among your family members, hiring an in-home caregiver could provide the support you need. The qualified, compassionate professionals at BrightStar Care offer peace of mind during this challenging time of changing behaviors in your loved one. We understand the difficulties you face and are committed to going above and beyond to provide the highest-quality care available.
Call us today for help at 952-300-3698 or visit us at https://www.brightstarcare.com/locations/south-minneapolis-metro/
Walk-In Showers: The Timeless and Practical Choice Walk-in showers not only provide a modern and open feel to any bathroom, but they also come in a variety of styles and designs to complement a wide range of aesthetic preferences. How to Maximize Space with a Walk-In Shower One of the main advantages of walk-in showers is their versatility, as they can be customized to your desired size and style. As you envision your dream bathroom, consider your bathing needs, preferred finishes, shower accessories and available shower unit space. If you have a smaller bathroom space, here are some tips to maximize the space inside your shower. Corner shelves or built-in wall shelving provide convenient storage for toiletries A sliding door can also be a space-saving solution, as it doesnt require extra clearance for the door to hinge open A wall-mounted bench or chair can offer seating without occupying valuable space, making it both functional and space-efficient Design Inspiration: Creative Shower Remodeling Ideas Incorporating unique wall patterns, tiles and colors can drastically transform the look and feel of your bathroom. Take inspiration from Pinterest or interior design magazines for ideas you may want to replicate in your home. The Importance of Durability in Design If you want your new bathroom to look and feel timeless for years to come, selecting a long-lasting material for your shower base and shower walls is essential. KOHLER LuxStone walls unique crushed stone construction provides durability and resistance to wear and tear. Additionally, KOHLER LuxStone shower walls are stain-resistant and nonporous, making them highly resistant to mold and mildew and exceptionally low-maintenance compared to other shower wall options, like tile or fiberglass. Remodel with a LuxStone Walk-In Shower When you remodel your bathroom with a KOHLER LuxStone shower, you get to choose from a selection of: Seamless shower walls in various colors, patterns and textures Showerheads and fixtures in a variety of styles and finishes Glass shower doors in frameless barn door, sliding and pivot designs Seamless shelving and storage options Support and stability options, including grab bars, foot ledges and seating Low-threshold shower bases and bathtubs Our dedication to offering a truly customizable shower remodeling experience provides you with plenty of opportunities to make your vision a reality. And, with free design consultations always included, were here to help you every step of the way. The Safety Features of the KOHLER LuxStone Shower If safety and security are major factors in your bathroom remodel, we may have the solutions you have been searching for. KOHLER LuxStone showers offer various adaptable safety features, making a comfortable and secure showering experience more easily accessible. Low step-in threshold allows for easy entry and exit Moveable and built-in seating options ensure that individuals can shower comfortably Integrated grab bars offer extra stability Your New Walk-In Shower from Inspiration to Installation If youre considering updating your bathroom, choose KOHLER LuxStone for a high-quality, low-maintenance shower or bath with start-to-finish remodeling service always included. Call (800) 704-9847 to request your free design consultation today!
Lets face it: theres never a great time to renovate. Opening your space to construction crews, losing access to rooms mid-remodel and enduring the thin but persistent layer of sheetrock dust on every surface of your home make taking the renovation plunge less than appealing. But if youre ready to make a change to your bathroom and remodel your shower, consider scheduling your remodel for the winter months. Read on to learn about the benefits of a winter shower remodel!Construction Crews Are More AvailableDuring busier times of the year, like spring and summer, you may have to wait for construction company availability rather than remodel on your preferred schedule. Designers, plumbers and electricians are also seasonally busy, with much lighter loads during the winter months. Planning your shower renovation for the winter season increases the likelihood that all necessary crew members are available.Your Renovation May Be SpeedierDepending on your renovation plans and the size of your construction crew, you may require special permitting. Just as construction companies are more available during the winter, so too are government officials responsible for permits. Homeowners who plan for a winter shower remodel may acquire their permits more quickly, shortening the length of their renovation.The Cost Of Materials May Be LowerYear-end sales on lumber, tile and other building materials can significantly reduce your renovation expenditures. Its typical for manufacturers to lower costs on premium materials during the winter months to make room for spring supplies. Keep an eye out for discounted materials starting around Black Friday and continuing through the season.It Makes Sense To Prioritize Interior ProjectsWinter weather makes for harsh construction conditions under which to pursue exterior renovations. When the temperature drops, consider addressing your interior to-dos instead. Remodeling your shower during the winter monthswhen its best to minimize your showering anyway to avoid drying out your skin and hairmeans a brand new shower to enjoy when temperatures rise again.Enjoy A Stress-Free, Seamless Remodel With KOHLER LuxStoneWith our expert designers, top-tier features and speedy installation, you can receive a luxury shower without all the hassle of a typical bathroom renovation. Ready to learn more? Contact us today for a free consultation. Request A Free Design Consultationor call (800) 704-9847
Around this time of year, virtually all religions celebrate significant events of birth, new beginnings, festivals of everlasting light and sacred histories, our identity as a people who we are. Also universal is the tradition of gift-giving to one another. The tradition may symbolize the spiritual gifts we all enjoy without condition. One of these is Independence. As the founders expressed it in our Declaration of Independence, we are endowed by [our] Creator with certain unalienable Rights, meaning they are given to us at birth. Independence is at the very core of our identity as human beings, whatever our cultural origins. To be deprived of it is to take away our identity. To get it back is one of the greatest gifts we can get. We made Independence the core of our mission at Legend Senior Living. Its the first word in our three key values for a seniors quality of life: Independence, Dignity and Purpose. Independence was also the cornerstone principle when Legend founder Tim Buchanan pioneered the very concept of Assisted Living more than 30 years ago. At the time, seniors and their families just could not reconcile the love of their lifelong homes, and their personal freedom and dignity with living in a place that seemed opposed to the very notion of independence: the nursing home. It took a fiercely independent entrepreneur to say, Youre right. Thats just not good enough. There has to be a way. And if there was no way, then we would make one.But what would this look like? We had to throw out all of the conventional notions about aging and write a new history that provided for the particular needs of seniors and independent senior lifestyles where the necessary care or new solutions for memory-related disease and cognitive challenges could be provided for by modern, effective, compassionate methods.The first innovation was private apartment living, but as part of a residence that saw to all of the requirements of the complete individual lifestyle. The very idea of the Individuality of aging was a revelation. Before this, the organization was designed to serve the facility, not the resident. No matter ones level of mobility or cognitive functioning, everyone lived in the same, sterile surroundings. No wonder seniors compared it to warehousing. Who cares what the merchandise feels like?This history is important because it tells the story of how the proper mission with the right innovations can grow and evolve. The more we know about medical science and cognitive functioning, the more we can apply that knowledge to assisted living and memory care. And weve seen those innovations at Legend. They have shaped our architecture, our therapy, our hiring and training, even our management structure. When you look at Legend and any other senior living company, youre looking at two very different approaches inside and out. And the difference all begins with the concept of Independence.Physical IndependenceWhen you hear the two words together, the mind may leap to being able to get around. We tend to think of that as the measurement of the end of independence. Moms not able to get around on her own anymore. Mobility is one aspect of physical independence, one that plays a big part in the purposeful design of our residences. Wider halls, numerous resting and conversation places, handrails, strategically designed apartments, abundant natural light and well-designed color schemes all aid mobility.Mental IndependenceSome people seem born to be caregivers. Others acquire a sensitivity and understanding over years of paying attention. Youve known these people. They always know what to say. They put you at ease. They seem to be able to calm and heal with a look. If we were not making the most of having more than thirty years of experience in caregiving and senior living, wed be ignoring one our greatest assets, the rich insight into how we live as we age and how we cope with loss and change, what simply keeps us going and what truly brings us joy.We thrive as a senior living provider on our dedication to the science of aging and cognitive research. The difference that human understanding brings sets us apart. We look for and cultivate this innate talent in our Legend Associates, who earn their status as Legend Experts in Senior Living and Legend Experts in Memory Care with training, mentorship and through a work culture that encourages friendship and love of community.So, what does all that have to do with mental independence? Ironically, mental independence relies greatly on others. The first thing to understand is that being independent does not mean being alone. A caring, skilled Associate can tell that someone may still be dealing with the loss of a spouse not long before theyve made the move to a senior living residence. They can tell the difference between someone who thrives in privacy with their reading or crafts and shares the experience and another who is more socially active. For either resident, we always work to draw the person out into the broader community. Naturally, Legend is endowed with entertainment and exercise amenities, theaters and game spaces, but we also dedicate a management professional to Life Enrichment. The single focus of this position is growth, socially, culturally and spiritually. Residents choose their interests and explore them in activities, outings and events.They live their independence through expression, communication, volunteerism and by simply being recognized for who they are.Legend Senior Living owns and operates over 40 Legend and Windsor senior living residences in six states. This article may have been an unusual way to describe them. We havent described a single piece of furniture or told you about the patios and bistros, after all. But that would not be describing what Legend is. Not at our heart. Every residence has its own character and is reflective of the locale and the culture, whether its Jacksonville, Florida or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In that, were a lot like the individuals who make their homes here. You should meet them. The description should come from them. It will be as individual as their own happiness, their own experience of Dignity, Purpose and Independence.Independence is not a decoration to hang on a tree, a keepsake we take out once a year and look at with nostalgia. It is the shining light of individuality we are endowed with at birth, that which makes us who we are, and that shines on, everlasting. It should grow brighter with age, and never dim. That is life at Legend. Visit the living room just off the entrance at any Legend residence this time of year. There, next to the glowing fireplace, a towering tree stretches its branches heavenward, populated with many shining lights. Many lights, one tree, a perfect symbol of Independent, happy individuals coming together as a community. May your season be as bright as our hearts this year.
Our BrightStar Care Team in St Paul, led by a Registered Nurse Director of Nursing, provides expert, compassionate, and person in-home care. Our mission is to go above and beyond to deliver a Higher Standard of Care and nothing less. Your loved one deserves care thats nothing less than extraordinary. At BrightStar Care of St. Paul, our experienced, trustworthy, and compassionate care professionals provide a full range of services in the comfort and safety of home. From personal care to companion care, BrightStar Care offers quality home care services for children, adults, and seniors.Our services provided are: Transitional Care, Skilled Nursing Care, Senior Care, Personal Care, Companion Care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Home Support + Outside Services and Child Care. Please call us at 651-770-8427 for an assessment of your needs.
At BrightStar Care of St. Paul, we understand that finding experienced and compassionate caregivers can be a challenge. While many of our clients still enjoy their independence, they might require some assistance, and our qualified care professionals go above and beyond to deliver on our promise of A Higher Standard of Care to the individuals and families they serve.Skilled Nursing Care:Provided by Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), this in-home service category includes medical care such as catheter maintenance, wound care, medication management, blood draws and training for complex equipment such as ventilators. Nurses are able to meet many advanced care needs in order for your loved one to be able to remain in their home when receiving these services and treatments:Medication management and administrationWound careBlood draws and injectionsCentral and peripheral intravenous drug therapy, such as chemotherapyAssistance with medical equipment including ventilators or oxygen tanksAdministration and maintenance of cathetersPICC line dressing changesTotal Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), G-tube or other feedingsEpidural mediportsPhysical, occupational or speech therapyRehabilitationCare That Evolves With Your NeedsAs your loved ones care needs change, our nurse-led team at BrightStar Home Care St. Paul can modify the in-home care services we provide. Our professional care staff are trained to monitor for changes in health and wellness, and communicate them directly to our RN Director of Nursing to adjust the plan of care accordingly. BrightStar Care is ready to help. For more information about Companion Care in St. Paul, contact our local BrightStar Care office at (651) 770-8427.
Transitional care refers to the care provided following hospitalization or a stay in a rehabilitation center. Leaving the hospital or a skilled nursing facility to go home could lead to critical health and social problems for individuals, but in many cases this can be prevented. Professionally delivered care can help reduce undesirable outcomes like re-hospitalization, medication errors, falls, and it may even reduce long-term healthcare costs by helping to prevent the worsening of health conditions. BrightStar Care offers the services and expertise to help you make a safe and healthy recovery at home and lower the likelihood of a return trip to the hospital. Learn more about the different types of transitional health services offered by BrightStar Care of South Minneapolis Metro.