Supporting Older Loved Ones with Anxiety

Worries affect everyone, regardless of age. However, if those worries become too strong, they could develop into anxiety. Many of our older loved ones may not be willing to admit when they are struggling, owing to past stigma around mental health. However, it is important that they are supported, as anxiety can have a major impact on their quality of life.

With around half of people aged 55 or over saying they have experienced some form of mental health problem, it’s important that your loved ones know you are there for them. Fortunately, there are several ways you can support your loved ones with conditions like anxiety. In this guide, we will share some helpful tips and guidance.

What is Anxiety?

Everyone will have experienced some anxiety in their lives. This is a feeling of unease or worry, usually brought on by an event. For example, you may feel anxious before a job interview or medical appointment. However, for some people anxiety can become more prevalent and persistent.

An anxiety disorder affects a person regularly, leaving them worried about many things. They may be concerned about their loved ones’ wellbeing, about money, about their health, or any number of other things. A common trigger for anxiety disorders is social situations.

A person with anxiety may display certain symptoms. These include restlessness, trouble sleeping – which can have a negative effect on health – and heart palpitations. When anxiety is at its worst it’s known as an anxiety or panic attack. People having an anxiety attack may experience shortness of breath and chest pains.

Supporting a Loved One with Anxiety

Anxiety is never pleasant, and it can get in the way of many things including hobbies and time with family and friends. Overcoming anxiety can be difficult, especially if your loved one isn’t willing to discuss it with you. However, if you have noticed that your loved one is displaying signs of anxiety, there are things you can do to support them.

Reassure them

One of the worries that can stop people from discussing anxiety is the fear that no one will take them seriously. If this is the case, sometimes all they need is to know that they can turn to you for support. Let them know it’s nothing to be ashamed of and that by talking it over you can address their worries.

Encourage their routine

Anxiety can impact your loved one’s ability to maintain their usual routine. Helping them stick to everyday tasks can boost their motivation, which could help them confront their anxiety. They should aim to get up and go to bed at the same times every day, as this can help to maintain good sleep hygiene. Being well-rested and knowing what the day holds are effective methods of reducing anxiety.

Purchase a personal alarm

If your loved one is worried about their safety or wellbeing at home, knowing that help is always available may help to settle their nerves. A personal alarm, such as those we provide at Careline365, provides 24/7 reassurance. If help is needed, your loved one simply activates their alarm and our team do all the work.

Slow breaths

When someone is feeling anxious, one of the most common solutions is to use breathing exercises. Slow breaths help to improve air intake and gives your loved one something else to focus on. Taking time to breathe slow can help to relieve anxiety, or at least calm your loved one enough for them to talk through their worries.

Adopt new hobbies

Whilst it’s important to address your loved one’s worries, distractions are also important to avoid them getting caught-up in their own thoughts. There are plenty of hobbies your loved one can get involved in, many of which can be done in the comfort of their own home. They could start reading more often, take up arts & crafts activities, or get involved with gardening.

Stay active

Exercise is important for more than just your loved one’s physical health. It can boost their mental health, too. Exercising produces endorphins, also known as “feel good hormones”. These help to boost one’s mood. Regular exercise can also help to improve bone and muscle strength. This can help your loved one feel more confident in and outside the home.

Visit the doctor

If you can make your loved one comfortable with opening up to you, the next step may be to convince their to visit their GP. Though this could be an anxiety-provoking event, visiting their doctor will provide your loved one with advice suited to their situation. Their GP may also refer them to helpful therapies. They may even provide medication to help relieve their anxiety if it seems necessary.

Anxiety is Normal

Though our loved ones may come from a generation that favours a stiff upper lip, it’s important that they recognise there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Anxiety affects everyone, and the sooner it is addressed the sooner they can feel more confident in their lives.

Careline365: Help When You Need It

With a personal alarm from Careline365, your loved one will be in safe hands 24/7, 365 days a year. Help is arranged by pressing the button on the alarm pendant or base unit. This sends an alert to our in-house Care Team, who arrange support by informing emergency contacts or, if necessary, the emergency services.

You can find out more about the Careline365 personal alarm service by reading our detailed guide or viewing our products. If you have any questions, or to order your Careline alarm today, call us on 0800 101 3333 and our friendly team will be happy to help.