Behavior changes are common in older adults, but they can be addressed effectively. Family caregivers need to learn what triggers the changes and develop positive coping techniques and prevention methods. Below are various causes of behavioral changes in seniors and what caregivers can do about each issue.
1. Financial Strain
Reduced incomes and increased medical expenses are challenges many seniors encounter, which could lead to stress and unusual actions. Your elderly parent may lash out at you due to the financial burden. Worrying about how to pay for prescriptions, the mortgage, and other expenses can be difficult and increase the odds of combative behaviors. You can help your loved one save money by creating a list of monthly costs and determine what he or she can cut. You and your siblings could also help out with the finances by paying a bill or covering medical expenses for your parent.
2. Memory Problems
Many seniors develop dementia or Alzheimer’s, and these neurological conditions could lead to behavioral changes, especially as the diseases progress. Remain calm when your loved one has an episode and redirect his or her attention to something positive, such as a fun activity.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Harrisburg Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
3. Discomfort
Older adults with poor communication skills may find it difficult to relay messages to their caregivers. For example, your parent may be living with a condition like aphasia that impacts the ability to comprehend or express spoken and written language. As a result, your loved one may be experiencing discomfort and act out negatively to get your attention. The behavioral changes are a way to express feelings of pain, loneliness, hunger, and more. You can reduce these negative actions by checking your loved one’s comfort levels throughout the day.
4. Uncertainty
Living in fear of cognitive decline, mobility issues, and other age-related problems that impact their daily lives can cause disruptive behavior in the elderly. The fear leads to other negative emotions and can increase the odds of combative actions. Find ways to reassure your loved one. Knowing he or she has your support through any challenge can boost your parent’s mental and emotional health and encourage him or her to keep going, as opposed to giving in to fear and uncertainty.
5. Boredom
Encourage your loved one to get out of the house to interact with others and enjoy nature’s beauty. Isolation can lead to depression and high levels of anxiety and cause changes in behavior. However, socialization can enhance quality of life and provide a sense of purpose. When it comes to planning social activities, keep your loved one’s skills in mind as well as his or her finances and preferences.
to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
6. Loss
Seniors often experience the deaths of loved ones and close friends, which increases the odds of depression. Without coping strategies in place, the constant loss can lead to mood changes, anger, and other problems. Some of the ways the elderly can manage loss include seeking therapy and joining support groups.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Harrisburg, PA, Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Rely on the professionals at Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate care for your loved one. Give us a call today at (717) 540-4663 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.