Anxiety in Elderly Loved Ones at Night? Here’s How You Can Help as a Caregiver
You may have noticed that your elderly loved one tends to experience certain mental health concerns in the evenings. Nighttime anxiety is common among many age groups, and older adults are no different.
Luckily, there are effective strategies you can use as a caregiver to ease your elderly loved one’s anxiety at night and help them get better rest. Here’s what you need to know about managing senior anxiety at night.
Why Your Loved One Gets Anxious When the Sun Goes Down
“Sundowning” is a common term used to describe a range of symptoms that aging adults experience in the evening. There are many different factors that contribute to these mood changes, so it can be challenging to identify one clear cause. However, some common causes include Alzheimer’s disease, medication side effects, and loneliness.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Certain cognitive conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, can impact how your loved one feels in the evening hours. Dementia is a group of symptoms, not a disease itself, but that doesn’t make your loved one’s experience any less frightening.
If your loved one is already struggling with memory problems and cognitive decline, chances are the evening time makes them feel worse.
Medication Side Effects
Some evening medications cause restlessness and anxiety in seniors. This can be particularly challenging for caregivers, as your loved one needs to take their medications as prescribed, but you want them to feel as comfortable as possible.
In some cases, healthcare providers can prescribe anti-anxiety medications that counteract the negative side effects of other drugs your loved one has to take. Always speak with their doctor before changing your loved one’s medication regimens.
Loneliness
Most seniors know that they are aging, and that alone can cause feelings of panic. They might feel like they’ve lost their autonomy or that they’re a burden to their loved ones. At night, they have more free time to think and worry, leading to sundowning.
Addressing Senior Evening Anxiety: Easy Tips
Whether your loved one remains quiet or expresses anger when they’re distressed, they still deserve relief. Try these key tips to combat evening anxiety and ease stress on both you and your loved one.
How to Help: Anger and Combativeness
Surprisingly, anger is a common manifestation of anxiety. Your loved one might not admit that they’re worried or on edge, but this could be why they become argumentative at night.
It’s often best to stay calm and validate their feelings as much as possible. During bursts of anger, the worst thing you can do is argue with your loved one about why you’re right and they’re wrong. Gently remind them that you’re here for them and that what they feel is valid.
How to Help: Crying
Maybe your aging loved one starts crying throughout the night when they feel anxious. In these cases, your support and warmth can help to bring them back to a calm, neutral state.
If you see your loved one crying, offer physical affection, like a hug or hand-holding. Respect their answer either way and sit with them through these tough feelings. Allow them to talk about what’s on their mind. A simple venting session can do wonders for anyone’s mental health.
How to Help: Fear and Paranoia
It’s normal for seniors with cognitive problems to experience heightened anxiety, delusions, and paranoia as their health declines. Consult your loved one’s doctor to see if there are any medications that can help with these symptoms.
In the meantime, create a supportive, comfortable environment for your loved one. Gently reassure them that they’re safe, loved, and at peace in their home.
For example, a relaxing bedtime routine can help them wind down for the night and remove the unknowns that sometimes cause nighttime anxiety. You can start small, such as by letting them pick out a warm, caffeine-free beverage to sip or handing them their favorite book.
Once your loved one adjusts to having a nighttime routine, you can add more calming activities as needed. When they’re focused on getting ready for bed, they’re less likely to focus on their fears and anxieties.
Supporting Your Senior Through Mental Health Challenges
Anxiety doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of all ages, from toddlers to senior adults. What’s important is that your loved one feels a sense of connection and care from you. The more you support your elderly loved one, the better their mental health can fare through anxious days and nights.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
