Caregiver Anxiety

Family caregivers often find themselves in high-stress, high-stakes situations where anxiety and depression can quickly take root. Left unchecked, these natural emotions can endanger a caregiver’s health and even be transferred to their care recipient.

Stress is normal for caregivers. But constant worrying, unrelenting doubts and pre-occupation with worst-case scenarios can be unproductive and even paralyzing. Recognize the triggers of anxiety, stop worrying and reduce stress in daily life.

Anxiety can be a normal reaction to stress, but when a senior’s fears, worries and coping mechanisms negatively affect their daily activities, relationships and quality of life, it crosses over into a serious mental health condition.

Caregivers and seniors may benefit from this little-known form of psychotherapy that targets the symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress that can arise after a care recipient dies.

For seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, the time change each fall may exacerbate symptoms of sundowning. Less daylight and modifications to one’s daily routine often bring added emotional, behavioral and cognitive difficulties.

The diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in the elderly is challenging yet critical. Increasing awareness of the unique relationship between aging and psychiatric disorders is the first step toward improving mental health care for older adults.

The slow and unpredictable progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias often makes it tricky for families and even doctors to determine when to bring in hospice. Use these guidelines to decide if a loved one is a candidate for end-of-life care.

Palliative care provides symptom relief for seniors living with a severe illness. Services may include personalized therapies, nutrition advice, and more.

Although caregivers are often cautioned against the dangers of burnout, there is an even more serious phenomenon called compassion fatigue that can be detrimental to both care providers and recipients.

Most people are aware of the seriousness of fall-related injuries for older adults, but falling can also negatively impact an aging loved one’s mental health and overall quality of life.

Animals make wonderful companions for aging individuals. Use these pointers to ensure a senior is up for pet ownership in order to match them with the perfect new furry friend.

Caregivers often face challenging decisions regarding their loved ones’ care. Here are some strategies for maintaining your sanity, even when making the most difficult choices.

Caregiving is a stressful job even during the best of times. Don't be too hard on yourself if you blow up from time to time but do look for reasons why you are feeling angry or frustrated and learn how to offer a sincere apology.

It’s impossible to anticipate how a senior may interact with other residents and staff in settings like assisted living facilities and nursing homes, but staff should be prepared to handle difficult interpersonal issues and defuse tensions.

One of the most frustrating and debilitating forms of pain is chronic pain. Chronic pain can last for years and is hard to treat. Understanding the mind-body connection can help people cope with chronic pain.

Finding time to sleep is one of the hardest things for a caregiver to do, but these six reasons demonstrate why caregiver respite should be a priority in any elder care plan.

Many people associate end-of-life care with treating physical pain and discomfort. While that is an important part, complete end-of-life care also includes helping the dying person manage mental and emotional distress.

Your loved one suffered a heart attack. Thankfully, he or she survived. But that leaves the question: What now? What can you expect after a heart attack? What symptoms are normal and what are not?

Elderly hoarding is something that most family caregivers do not anticipate having to deal with. This behavior often increases with age and creates a hazardous living environment for older adults. Take these 5 steps to help a senior who hoards.

Memory loss is a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but neurological damage can also cause patients to make up hurtful stories and level false accusations toward their caregivers.