Stress affects every person, even aging adults. But for seniors, stress can have some bigger impacts than they might expect. Too much stress causes emotional strain, physical health problems, trouble with cognitive functioning, and affects overall quality of life. With the help of home care services, family caregivers can help aging adults get the support they need to reduce stress and feel more secure as they age in place.
What Are Seniors Stressed About?
Retirement seems like it would be a time for relaxation and fun, but many seniors still have a lot of stress. They may have health problems, mobility issues, or worry that they’re going to lose their independence. Loneliness, grief, and other worries can also contribute to stress. Elder care providers can offer companionship for seniors, while also helping with hands-on needs.
Stress and Immune Systems
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making it tougher for seniors to fight off illnesses or recover from injuries. Older adults are already more susceptible to infections, so adding stress just increases that risk. Home care professionals can help seniors to get to doctor’s appointments and stick to healthy habits that boost their immunity, like sleeping well and hydrating. These habits can also help to reduce the impact of stress on their bodies.
Cognitive Function and Stress
Stress also affects how well the brain works. For seniors, ongoing stress is connected to memory issues, confusion, and even a higher risk of cognitive decline. Creating a calm, structured environment can help to reduce stress for aging adults. Simple routines, consistent mealtimes, and meaningful conversations help seniors feel grounded and mentally engaged.
Helping Seniors Cope with Stress
There is no one absolutely right way for seniors to approach stress relief, unfortunately. But daily support from home care providers and family members can make a big difference. Relaxing activities, time in nature, deep breathing exercises, and more can all play a role in helping seniors ditch stress. Home care providers can help seniors to experiment and find what works best for them.
Prioritizing Self-care for Seniors and Family Caregivers
Stress around aging in place and seniors’ needs doesn’t just affect seniors, though. Family caregivers often experience a lot of stress and pressure related to wanting to give seniors all of the care and support they need. Home care services can benefit the entire family, because their presence allows family caregivers and seniors to prioritize their own self-care. That support can make it possible for family caregivers to take breaks and avoid burning out.
Just because stress is a part of life, that doesn’t mean that it has to take over everything. With the right help and consistent care, aging adults can get through stressful times and establish peaceful routines. Home care providers are there to assist with all sorts of daily tasks from helping with household chores to personal care tasks. All of these types of assistance add up to give seniors a wide range of support they can rely on while they live their lives on their own terms.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Stratham, NH, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH today! 603-824-8200
Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH provides exceptional home care in Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, North Hampton, Hampton, Stratham, Exeter, Durham, Dover, Seabrook, Greenland, Rochester, Hampton Falls and surrounding areas.
