Trying to reduce elderly anxiety at night for a loved one? Read our top tips for the best ways to minimize elderly anxiety at night and improve their sleep quality.
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Do you have an elderly loved one who experiences anxiety at night? Unfortunately, anxiety can become more common and impactful as we age, causing sleep disturbances and other issues. However, there are strategies that caregivers can use to help reduce anxiety in the elderly at night. This article will discuss tips for reducing elderly anxiety at night, including creating a relaxing environment, engaging in relaxation techniques, and utilizing innovative technologies. Read on to learn about assisting your senior family member in coping with their anxiety at night and improving their sleep quality.
Related: Three Things to Consider When Taking Care of Your Parents
To fully grasp nighttime anxiety in older adults, we must examine its causes and symptoms.
There are various causes of anxiety in the elderly at night, some of which include:
Health Concerns - Older adults may have concerns about their health, chronic illnesses, pain, and other age-related issues that can cause anxiety and worry at night.
Loss of Independence - Aging can cause a loss of independence, which can be emotionally distressing and lead to anxiety.
Fear of Falling - Older adults are at an increased risk of falling, which can cause anxiety and fear, especially at night when it is dark, and visibility is low.
Loneliness and Isolation - Many older adults live alone, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. These feelings can heighten at night with less social interaction and distractions.
Financial Concerns - Older adults may worry about their financial stability, especially if they are retired and living on a fixed income.
Medications - Certain medications can cause side effects such as insomnia, nightmares, and anxiety, which can be more pronounced at night.
Cognitive Decline - As people age, Alzhermer’s, dementia, and cognitive decline can occur, which can cause confusion, disorientation, and anxiety at night.
Past Traumatic Experiences - Older adults may have experienced traumatic events in their past, such as war, abuse, or loss of loved ones, which can cause anxiety and flashbacks at night.
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Anxiety symptoms can manifest differently in older adults compared to younger individuals.
Some common symptoms of anxiety in the elderly include:
Excessive Worrying - Elderly individuals may excessively fret over health, finances, and various life aspects.
Physical Symptoms - Anxiety may induce symptoms like increased heart rate, perspiration, trembling, and shortness of breath.
Sleep Disturbances - Seniors with anxiety might struggle with falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or awakening too early.
Irritability and Restlessness - Anxiety can lead to feelings of irritability, agitation, and restlessness in older adults.
Avoidance Tendencies- Some seniors with anxiety might evade situations that exacerbate their anxious feelings, such as social gatherings or leaving the house.
Memory Challenges - Anxiety can impact memory and focus, posing concerns for elderly individuals experiencing cognitive decline to some extent.
Physical Complaints - Anxiety can cause physical complaints such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and muscle tension.
Late-Night and Repeated Calling - It is important to note that according to WebMD, these symptoms can also indicate other medical conditions, and a proper evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause.
Here are some tips that can help reduce elderly anxiety at night:
With just a few simple steps, you can customize your preferences in the teleCalm Caregiver App to stop compulsive and repeated calls.
Features of teleCalm's Repeat Dialing include:
Customizable Settings: Choose the number of calls (2-5 times) and the specified period of time (15-60 minutes) before repeat dialing is activated.
Notifications
Gentle Messages to Your Loved One
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The teleCalm's Quiet Hours feature can block incoming and outgoing calls during specific times.
Here's how the Quiet Hours feature works:
Customizable Settings - You can customize Quiet Hours in the teleCalm Caregiver App to activate during specific times, such as Nighttime Quiet Hours from 10 pm to 7 am.
Default or Personalized Messages - Your loved one will hear a default message during Quiet Hours. You can also record a personalized message in your voice to reassure them.
Easy to Set Up - Activate Quiet Hours under the Settings screen in the teleCalm Caregiver App. Select the time ranges for Daytime and Nighttime Quiet Hours. You can also adjust or turn off Quiet Hours anytime in the app.
A consistent sleep schedule can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety at night. Encourage the elderly to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Make sure the bedroom is comfortable, quiet, and dark. Encourage the elderly to create a peaceful atmosphere by playing soothing music, using aromatherapy, or using a white noise machine.
Encourage the elderly to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, as these substances can interfere with sleep quality and contribute to anxiety.
Meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation before bedtime.
Address any underlying medical conditions contributing to anxiety at night, such as pain, urinary urgency, or respiratory distress.
Encourage the elderly to seek professional help if their anxiety at night is severe or interfering with their daily activities. A mental health professional or physician can provide appropriate treatment options.
Click Here to Contact teleCalm Today and Start Stress Free Phone Service!
Alt Text: An Elderly Gentleman Holding a Colorful Ball (Image Source)
Elderly anxiety at night is a common issue that can significantly impact their quality of life.
Fortunately, there are several strategies that caregivers can use to help alleviate anxiety in the elderly at night, such as establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a relaxing environment, engaging in relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help.
Additionally, teleCalm offers solutions such as the Repeat Dialing feature, which can help reduce compulsive and repeated calls—the Quiet Hours feature, which blocks incoming and outgoing calls during specific times.
With a mixed approach incorporating lifestyle changes and innovative technologies, caregivers can help their loved ones manage anxiety and improve their overall well-being.
Related: My Mom is Calling at 3AM
Family caregivers can quickly find themselves overwhelmed and need more support than they have available. Home care can offer that support. Some family caregivers have a ton of support from family and friends. Unfortunately, thats not the case for everyone. Family caregivers who dont get the support they need can quickly feel overwhelmed and overloaded. Caregiving brings with it a lot of responsibilities and demands on top of the ones that exist with daily life alone. Home care services offer the support that family caregivers need to offer the best care possible to the seniors they love. Family Caregiving Challenges First, it helps to understand the types of challenges that seniors and family caregivers face. So many family caregivers juggle many different roles, which leaves little or no time for them to care for themselves. There is a big emotional toll in caregiving, too. Watching a beloved family members life and circumstances change dramatically can lead to depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues. Caregivers worry a lot about their seniors, too, which adds up over time. If seniors experience mobility challenges or other needs that require more physical effort, family caregivers can experience serious physical demands, too. Respite Care One of the solutions that can help immediately is for family caregivers to take respite time. This occurs when home care providers step in for a few hours so that family caregivers can step away to take care of other needs. Professional home care providers can handle a variety of different situations, allowing family caregivers to feel confident that everything will be okay while they are gone. Emotional Support Both family caregivers and seniors experience some big emotional challenges related to caregiving. It can be tough for seniors to acknowledge that theyre experiencing big changes that require them to need additional help. For family caregivers, there is a lot of stress related to wanting to do the right thing. Home care providers understand and offer emotional support to everyone involved. They also spend time with seniors, offering companionship that makes a true difference. Delegating Responsibilities It can be complicated for family caregivers to let go of some of their responsibilities, even when theyre feeling overwhelmed. Home care providers make it easy for family caregivers to delegate and pass along some of their responsibilities. Home care services can help with light housekeeping tasks, transportation, meal preparation, and so much more. Benefiting the Entire Family Integrating home care assistance into caregiving routines helps families find more balance. They can focus on the issues that truly matter rather than worrying about how theyre going to get everything done. Seniors get personalized attention, and family caregivers feel more confident in their own abilities. Home care services offer critical support for family caregivers and seniors. Professional caregivers reduce the workload for family caregivers while making sure seniors are both comfortable and safe. This allows family caregivers to have a much different experience with family caregiving than they might have had up to this point. Being able to focus on self-care gives family caregivers the space they need to fully show up for beloved family members. If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Denver, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529 At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.
In a world that is constantly evolving, the holiday season serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of human connection. For seniors, these connections offer profound emotional and psychological benefits. This discussion explores the joy of maintaining relationships, the challenges faced by older adults, and strategies to ensure their holidays are filled with a sense of belonging, remembrance, and shared experiences.The Importance of Connection for SeniorsEmotional and Psychological BenefitsHuman connection is essential throughout life, and its importance grows as individuals age. Seniors experience numerous benefits from social interaction, including improved mental health, better cognitive functioning, and a heightened sense of purpose. Meaningful relationships create a support network that can help alleviate feelings of isolation and depression, promoting overall well-being. Engaging with family and friends fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth, while participation in conversations and activities can enhance emotional stability and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.Loneliness During the HolidaysWhile the holiday season is often associated with joy and togetherness, it can also amplify feelings of loneliness for seniors. Many may face the loss of loved ones or find themselves separated from family due to distance. Such circumstances can heighten emotions of isolation, especially during a time when connection is most valued. The holidays can serve as poignant reminders of lost connections, intensifying nostalgia and grief.Challenges in Staying ConnectedSeveral obstacles can hinder seniors from maintaining connections during the holidays. Geographic distance can prevent reunions with family and friends, while health issues may limit mobility and travel options. Additionally, technological barriers can complicate digital communication, leaving some seniors feeling disconnected in an increasingly digital world.Emotional FactorsGrief and depression can significantly impact seniors desire to connect. The holiday season may magnify feelings of loss, making it difficult for individuals to engage in celebratory activities. Recognizing these emotional challenges is crucial for facilitating meaningful connections.The Role of CaregiversCaregivers play an essential role in supporting seniors during this time. By understanding the emotional hurdles that may arise, they can offer companionship and empathy. Caregivers can also assist with practical needs such as technology use, transportation arrangements, or organizing inclusive celebrations that accommodate health considerations.Practical Ways to ConnectIn-Person ConnectionsHoliday Visits: In-person gatherings bring warmth and meaning to seniors' lives.Shared Meals: Enjoying favorite holiday dishes together fosters conversation and bonding.Participatory Activities: Engaging in festive tasks like decorating or baking creates joy and involvement.Remote ConnectionsVideo Calls: These allow seniors to see loved ones faces, enhancing feelings of connection despite distance.Letter Writing: A heartfelt letter or card can convey emotions that transcend technology.Online Games: Simple games or trivia challenges provide fun interaction opportunities from afar.Adapting Holiday TraditionsTo include seniors in holiday traditions:Involve Them: Encourage their input in planning to shape traditions that suit their preferences.Modify Activities: Adapt events to accommodate mobility and energy levels.Storytelling: Invite seniors to share stories from their past to enrich the holiday experience.Technology as a BridgeUser-friendly technology options like smartphones and tablets can facilitate communication for seniors. Simplified apps designed for ease of use can enhance their ability to stay connected with loved ones. Teaching them how to use these technologies through patient instruction and hands-on demonstrations can help build their confidence.Navigating Emotional ChallengesSeniors may face various emotional difficulties during the holidays:Grief: The absence of loved ones can be particularly poignant during this time.Depression: Feelings of sadness may intensify due to health struggles or social isolation.Isolation: Distance from family combined with limited mobility can exacerbate loneliness.Supporting Emotional HealthEncouraging open communication allows seniors to express their feelings. Setting flexible expectations for participation in holiday activities helps reduce pressure. Engaging them in joyful activities enhances their experience during this festive season.Professional ResourcesIf needed, professional support such as therapy or counseling specializing in geriatric care can provide seniors with tools to navigate their emotions. Support groups offer community understanding for those dealing with grief or depression. Helplines are also available for immediate emotional support.As we navigate this holiday season together, let us remember that nurturing connections enriches the lives of seniors. Emphasizing compassion and care across generations reinforces our shared spirit of togetherness during this special time.
Stress-Free Holidays: Essential Tips for Family Caregivers Here you are, a caregiver on call 24/7 for someone you love, and suddenly its holiday time. You start thinking about inviting relatives, ordering the turkey, and getting out the holiday decorations. But wait a minute. Before your holiday autopilot kicks in, step back and look at where you are. The first thing you have to acknowledge is that things are different now, says Barbara Abramowitz, Massachusetts-based psychotherapist and herself a longtime caregiver. Maybe its time to rethink the holidays. Dont be bound by traditions. Give yourself permission to change things up. It can be liberating. We get caught up in expectations and what other people are going to think of us, Abramowitz told me. Be bold. Ask yourself, What do I want to keep, and what do I want to let go of? Give yourself time to think about whats really important about the holidays. Do You Have to Deck the Halls?Maybe you dont have to decorate every square inch of your home this year. Martha Shapiro, director of programs for Senior Concerns, which supports seniors and family caregivers in Southern California, says, Think outside the box. Dont be bound by traditions. Give yourself permission to change things up this holiday season. It can be liberating. That big family gathering? How about paring down the guest list this year? (Aunt Helen will just have to understand.) Pare down the menu, too. (Do you absolutely have to have mashed potatoes as well as sweet potatoes?) Bring in food from a good supermarket or a favorite restaurant, or make it a potluck this time; its a good way to give those reluctant siblings some way to help you out. One family moved to Chanukah in May when the airports would be less congested and the weather would be better. Even if the holiday meal has always been at your house, this might be the year to ask another family member to host. Easiest of all, if it works for your budget (or your sisters budget), hold the dinner at a hotel. The holiday decor, the giant buffet not to say the prep and the cleanup are all on them. Time-Shifting and Place-Shifting TipsWho says that everything has to be done in December? Send New Years greetings instead of the usual holiday cards in January. No one loves traveling on the holidays. One family moved to Chanukah in May when the airports would be less congested and the weather would be better. You can even move or extend the holiday itself. If its tough to get everyone to the same place on the same day, consider visiting with your person a day before or after. Beth Williams, who directed programs for the Alzheimers Association in nineteen counties in Georgia and is a former professor of gerontology, has counseled countless caregivers on how to manage the holidays. If (the person you care for) has lost the concept of time, she says, just celebrate. So Christmas could be December 24 or December 26. Think of it as a holiday helper you get to extend the holiday over more than one day, it takes some pressure off and you still get to celebrate. You could try place-shifting as well. One Massachusetts family ditched December in New Jersey, which was hard for the extended family to get to, opting instead for a July celebration in Rhode Island. Or go virtual. Covid taught us how to do all kinds of family get-togethers over Zoom. Many senior care facilities have tech folks who can help. Or ask one of the grandkids to go to Nanas place and set up the holiday Zoom call. Dont Forget the Comfort and Joy for YourselfNo question that youre under stress as a caregiver. Everyone keeps telling you to make time for self-care, but its harder now than ever. So sneak it in. Seriously. Breathe. Or stare at the sky or your garden and reconnect with your senses and soul. According to Abramowitz, The respite doesnt have to be in big chunks. It can be in the moment. Pause in the transitions between activities. In the car, take a moment before heading to your destination. Breathe. Take time between appointments. Breathe. Or stare at the sky or your garden and reconnect with your senses and soul. Breathe. While shopping for gifts at the mall, find a coffee shop, sit down and treat yourself to one of those only-at-the-holidays specialty drinks. And when you go to the Post Office to mail off the presents, look at the revolving gift card kiosk. Theyve got cards from retailers and restaurants, movie theaters, online stores and more. Prices can be as low as $10 or $20. Treat Yourself to Your Holiday GiftFor delayed gratification, book a massage for January or February (check out local massage franchises, health clubs, spas and massage schools). You deserve it. Dr. Karen Midyet, a clinical psychologist in Fort Collins, Colorado, whose coaching practice includes many older caregivers, knows how critical self-care is. I tell them, hire somebody to come in so you can leave for a few hours. Sometimes, she adds, you can just do something as simple as sitting outside in the sun for one minute, taking a short walk with the dog. A short walk is better than no walk. For some extra help during the holidays, Shapiro suggests looking into the senior centers in your area (search on senior centers near me and adult day care near me). Many of them offer unique programs and caregiver support groups during holiday times. Several states offer free respite care services. Check out the Family Caregiver Alliance for details on respite programs, state by state. The National Adult Day Services Association has an interactive Find a Center map for daycare facilities nationwide. Respite care for veterans and their caregivers is also available through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. All Dad Wants For Christmas is YouYour first impulse may be to bring Mom or Dad home for a family gathering. But if your person is in a care facility, Shapiro points out, it may be more detrimental to bring them to your house and bring them back. For a lot of people with dementia, the back-and-forth causes stress. Big gatherings and blinking Christmas lights may also be overwhelming. So bring a quiet celebration to them or join in whatever holiday event the care facility offers. Bring your persons favorite holiday food, get a stack of holiday cards to look through, show photos of the family in their red-and-green elf caps, or FaceTime with the grandchildren. If you want your person to enjoy the holiday, it has to be meaningful to them. If you want your person to enjoy the holiday, it has to be meaningful to them, says Williams. Keep the tradition of celebrating; just shift the focus. If youre taking Mom to someones party, consider what she needs. Have a quick meal, Williams advises. Just stay for an hour. The key, says Shapiro, is to plan. Set things up for success. If youre going to someones house, make sure there is a chair they can get in and out of, a quiet room they can retreat to. You need to find a way to make it comfortable and realistic. If your loved one has dementia, they can still engage in reminiscing. Use that to your advantage, she says. When the family gets together, ask what was the favorite part of this holiday for each of us. Have an intergenerational table and design questions so the older people can impart their memories. Shapiro adds, With dementia you have to slow everybody down. Tell them that after dinner, were all going to sit on a couch and listen to some stories. Holidays often involve religious observances, but extended services and large crowds may not work this year. Do you have to go to church for the big gathering? Williams asks caregivers. Try Saturday evening instead. You could call Father So-and-so and ask, Can we come as a small group, and could you give us a sermon and Communion?' Jim Sherblom, a social impact investor and former Unitarian Universalist minister in Brookline, Massachusetts, encouraged innovative ways to mark the holidays. Especially if it was difficult for his congregants to get to church, he would invite them over to his house, and they would walk together in the nearby woods. These days many religious groups live stream their services. All Dad wanted for Christmas was church, one caregiver told me. So we watched the holiday service on his iPad, and it worked just fine. Ask your person what theyd like to do for the holidays it may surprise you. Leave day-to-day activities behind, put on your fancy clothes (or that once-a-year Christmas sweater), and share some moments. Focus on that. Stick to whats doable and enjoyable for you and meaningful for your person. Reminiscing may be the best way to enrich your persons day. Play the music that moves them, says Williams. Maybe its just the same five oldies. Thats okay. Run old family movies on a loop. Or maybe its playing a game together, laughing, watching a football game. Holidays are an opportunity to create new rituals, Abramowitz reminds us. We get to remake the holidays. We get to create what we want. You never know this could be the last holiday with your person. Take a lot of photos, says Shapiro, adding, take mental photos. Say to yourself, I will capture this and remember this moment. Whatever you create, whether you trim the tree or trim down the festivities, the holidays are still a unique time to build new memories and savor the simple joy of being with people you love. Writer: Connie Baher This article originally published on nextavenue.org___________ SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Contact Synergy HomeCare of Daphne at 251-621-1900 to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
teleCalm stops problem calls for families living with Alzheimers & other cognitive challenges at home and in senior living communities.teleCalm provides a safe phone services for seniors living with Alzheimers and other cognitive challenges. Their services help family caregivers to manage and stop unwanted incoming and outgoing calls, including late-night calls, repeated calls, 911 abuse, and targeted fraud. teleCalm offers two levels of stress-free home phone services for seniors: the Caregiver service and the Trust service. The Caregiver service is designed to solve common challenges faced by caregivers and their loved ones. It helps seniors maintain their independence, reduces isolation, and prevents everyday problems such as late-night calls, repeated calls, 911 abuse, and telemarketer/scam calls. This service works with regular home phones and replaces the existing landline service provider. The family caregiver manages all the features and benefits of the service remotely through the teleCalm Caregiver app. The Trust service is designed for independent seniors and filters out robocallers before they have a chance to ring through to the seniors phone. This service learns over time who your loved ones trusted contacts are based on their calling habits. teleCalm's phone service replaces current home phone service, often for less money than the current basic phone service. The company has simple pricing, with all taxes and fees included in the monthly pricing. Internet is not required to have teleCalm service, and you can keep your current phone number, or the phone number of your loved one. teleCalm is a veteran and woman-owned company, with a 5-Star rating on both BBB and Google. All of their support team is US-based and have been family caregivers themselves. If you're looking for a safe phone service for seniors, visit teleCalmProtects.com to learn more and see how they can help solve your phone-related challenges.
teleCalm stops problem calls for families living with Alzheimers & other cognitive challenges at home and in senior living communities.teleCalm provides a safe phone services for seniors living with Alzheimers and other cognitive challenges. Their services help family caregivers to manage and stop unwanted incoming and outgoing calls, including late-night calls, repeated calls, 911 abuse, and targeted fraud. teleCalm offers two levels of stress-free home phone services for seniors: the Caregiver service and the Trust service. The Caregiver service is designed to solve common challenges faced by caregivers and their loved ones. It helps seniors maintain their independence, reduces isolation, and prevents everyday problems such as late-night calls, repeated calls, 911 abuse, and telemarketer/scam calls. This service works with regular home phones and replaces the existing landline service provider. The family caregiver manages all the features and benefits of the service remotely through the teleCalm Caregiver app. The Trust service is designed for independent seniors and filters out robocallers before they have a chance to ring through to the seniors phone. This service learns over time who your loved ones trusted contacts are based on their calling habits. teleCalm's phone service replaces current home phone service, often for less money than the current basic phone service. The company has simple pricing, with all taxes and fees included in the monthly pricing. Internet is not required to have teleCalm service, and you can keep your current phone number, or the phone number of your loved one. teleCalm is a veteran and woman-owned company, with a 5-Star rating on both BBB and Google. All of their support team is US-based and have been family caregivers themselves. If you're looking for a safe phone service for seniors, visit teleCalmProtects.com to learn more and see how they can help solve your phone-related challenges.