How to Help Your Senior Loved One Deal with Insomnia

As people age, it is common for them to experience a change in their sleeping pattern. Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder that affects many seniors. According to the recent studies, around 50% of people aged 65 and above suffer from insomnia.

There are a number of things that can cause insomnia in seniors, and some of them include 

• Heath conditions like heart problems, asthma, or chronic pain.
• Noisy bedrooms 
• Side effects of different medications
• Stress
• Anxiety
• …and more.

Some of the common symptoms of insomnia include 

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Day/night confusion
• Lack of quality sleep
• …and more.

However, it is vital for seniors to get a good night’s sleep for their overall health. So, if you have an aging parent at home who is suffering from insomnia, here are some tips that can help.

1. Create a fixed bedtime routine – It is important for you to create a bedtime routine for your aging loved one and ensure that they follow it religiously. Following a set routine can help improve sleep patterns and regulate their wake and sleep cycle. 
2. Create a comfortable sleeping environment – Make sure your senior family member has a bedroom that is clean, quiet and free from any kind of distractions. Also, the temperature of the room should also be comfortable. 
3.  Avoid frequent naps – Naps during the day can affect sleep quality. So, make sure your aging loved one avoids naps for a good night’s sleep. If they must nap, have them limit it to no more than 15 or 20 minutes.

However, if they still experience problems with sleep, consult their doctor. Their doctor may prescribe certain medications for a brief time that can help your loved one sleep better. Sometimes you just need a good night sleep to get a good night sleep the following night. If you have are unable to accompany your senior family member to their doctor’s appointment, consider hiring a caregiver.

An experienced in-home care provider will accompany seniors for regular doctor’s appointments and ensure they take the prescribed medicines on time. Always Best Care has a team of highly trained, bonded, and insured caregivers who provide compassionate In-Home Care Services In West Vancouver.

For more information, call them at (778) 945-3010.

Tips to Help Your Aging Parent Cope with Stress

As people age, they are likely to deal with a number of stressors related to financial issues, health problems, daily living, and more. Daily stress and depression can have a negative effect on your aging loved one’s overall health. It can increase the risk of certain health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and more. Sadly, stress hormones can have a negative impact on your loved one’s mental health, too. 

Some of the common symptoms of stress include  

•  Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability 
• Headaches
• Trouble concentrating 
• …and more.

Do you know how you can help your loved one cope with stress? Here are some tips that can help

1. Change their routine – Older adults who are homebound are at a higher risk of suffering from stress, depression, and other mental health problems. So, encourage them to get out of the house often or take up a hobby that they love. 
2. Try meditating – Meditation has a number of health benefits. It relaxes the mind, provides stress relief, and helps prevents future stress. Your loved one can practice meditation daily to deal with their stress better. 
3. Encourage socialization – Seniors who live alone are likely to suffer from stress and depression. So, you should encourage your aging parent to socialize often and participate in different social activities to stay connected and engaged. Staying socially active will not only reduce the risk of stress caused by loneliness and depression but also help seniors lead a peaceful and comfortable life. 
4. Hire a companion – If you do not have enough time to consistently look after your aging parent’s safety and well-being, consider hiring companionship help in the form of a caregiver. An experienced in-home care provider will look after your loved one’s care and safety and help them stay socially active and engaged. 

If you are looking for an In-Home Senior Care Provider In Vancouver, contact Always Best Care. 

For more information, call them at (778) 945-3010.