PTSD in seniors is more common than many people think. Losing a spouse, or having a traumatic fall that requires hospitalization, or having to go through an emergency surgery because of a heart attack or a stroke can cause PTSD in seniors. Many seniors don’t know how to name or process their trauma because they weren’t raised in a time when mental health was a priority. For many seniors having “the blues” or dealing with trauma is just something that everyone does so they don’t talk about it. Having companion care at home can help support them in coping.
Changing Behaviors
If you have observed a change in the way that your senior loved one behaves that seems uncharacteristic that could be due to PTSD. Often when seniors go through a trauma or a major loss they start behaving in ways that seem unfamiliar or not normal for them. Personality changes can also be a sign of PTSD. Of course, everyone can have a bad day, but if you notice ongoing changes in your senior parent’s behavior that is a cause for concern and could be due to PTSD.
Being Withdrawn
Seniors can be withdrawn for many reasons. If your senior parent starts to withdraw from life and from people after a major loss or trauma it could be PTSD. A good way to make sure that your senior parent doesn’t become lonely or totally disconnected form the world is companion care at home. When seniors have companion care at home they will never be alone and they will get the socialization that they need to remain connected to the outside world. Seniors who live alone often need companion care at home to avoid becoming socially isolated.
Outbursts of Anger Or Sadness
If your senior parent has what seems to be inappropriate anger or sadness or if they experience outbursts of intense anger or sadness over seemingly small things that could be due to PTSD. Overreacting to situations can be caused by the emotional turmoil of PTSD as well as by PTSD flashbacks. For examples, if your senior parent experiences a minor inconvenience like they missed a TV show they like and they go into an angry rage about it or start crying uncontrollably about it that’s most likely a trauma response.
Fear Or Anxiety
Seniors with PTSD may also begin to experience bouts of extreme anxiety or fear, usually at night. Having companion care at home is a great way to make sure that your senior parent isn’t alone when they feel afraid or anxious. Sometimes having someone else in the house with them who can reassure them that things are okay is enough to help seniors avoid a full on emotional meltdown when they are feeling scared or anxious. Medication prescribed by a doctor may help too.
Amelia Home Care provides traditional in-home care services, along with virtual caregiving and Companion Care at Home. Our service area includes Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Westchester County. Call today at (929) 333-3955.
We proudly provide non-medical home care services to individuals with disabilities, injuries, difficulties with mobility, or illnesses. Our team is composed of highly trained and competent staff members who are dedicated and experts in delivering home care services in the comfort of our client’s home.
Through our personalized care plan, we can give you the needed care services that are all intended to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help you achieve optimum health and wellness.
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