Stress can strike any time of the year, and it takes a toll on our physical and mental health. This stress can be environmental – noisy neighbors, worry over bills – or it can be emotional and physiological, with sources we may or may not be aware of. For seniors, reducing stress and anxiety is an important part of healthy, independent living. Let’s look at the ways home care services help Washington seniors manage their stress and anxiety.
What Is Stress?
Stress is a response to stimuli or stressors that disturbs the normal equilibrium. It’s related to the flight or fight response, even though the cause of the stress doesn’t have to be something immediately threatening or dangerous. In some situations, we may have no direct stimuli to cause stress. For example, those who have experienced a recent loss or have a history of trauma may find their system operating at a constant “fight or flight” level. Some signs of heightened stress response include,
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Heightened muscle tension
- Digestive slow-down
- Lowered immune system response
- Sleeplessness
- Increased stress-hormone production
These responses can lead to several problems and complications including,
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Headaches
- Asthma
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Gastrointestinal Problems
Managing Stress with Elderly Care Services
While medications can help address the complications that often come with it and help induce stress, there are also ways that seniors can work to minimize or eliminate stress at its root. An in-home caregiver can help guide your senior loved one through any of these tips.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is practicing awareness of our body and mind. Often, this is done through meditation. Meditation that helps you focus on your body and your breathing can help reduce your stress and anxiety.
Exercise
Exercise is a wonderful stress reducer. It helps to get pent-up energy out of the body and helps the body renew and open new energy stores. It’s no accident that you can feel refreshed and energized after a walk or a short workout. A VMT in-home caregiver can help seniors with limited mobility get the exercise they need. This activity can come in the form of,
- Daily walks
- Cleaning a small area of the house
- Working out in the garden
- Taking part in fitness exercises like yoga
Enjoy Community
Often, connecting with others helps us to escape the feeling of isolation that can build and enhance our stress and anxiety. Your in-home caregiver can help your senior engage with their community by providing needed transportation services. They can also provide companion services to seniors.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet helps improve your physical health and your mental well-being. Your VMT home care services expert can help your loved one maintain a healthy diet. They can assist with grocery shopping and meal preparation. They also work with your senior loved one’s health team to ensure that they get the nutrients their body needs.
Are You Looking for Home Care Services in Washington DC?
If you’re looking for someone to help with in-home care for seniors, whether as a permanent caregiver or for respite care, contact us. We’ll be happy to review our services with you and help match your loved one to one of our expert caregivers.
