Anger Management Tips for Seniors
Parents and seniors often display unexpected anger and behaviors, and have temper tantrums for a variety of reasons. They may be the result of stress, anxiety, or despair, or they may be related to symptoms of a serious illness, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Although we try to explain why, this is not the best way to deal with anger in seniors. It will only make things worse. So, here are 5 anger management tips for seniors for everyone to learn and apply.
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Relieve stress
Stressors that often affect older adults include financial and health security, loss of a loved one, loss of physical abilities, lack of physical activities and hobbies, having too much free time, unstable relationships with family members, etc. Sometimes anger can be a cause of the situation.
Some stress can be easily managed, while others can be handled with little more than that. For stress that can be controlled, try to reduce it as much as you can. You can suggest stress-relieving activities, such as meditation, going out to your favorite restaurant, or taking up a new hobby.
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Don’t get involved
The next time your elderly parent shows signs of anger, intervene but calmly state that you will not listen to their outbursts. Then, walk away to give them time to grieve. Do not respond until they have calmed down.
- Show your love and support
It can help manage anger if you let older adults know that you love and support them. Expressing such positive emotions can help older adults feel safe, which is one of the most common stressors among older adults. Don’t be shy about telling them you love them and that you want to be as supportive and encouraging as possible.
- Seek help from a health professional
If your loved one’s outbursts become more routine and less manageable, consider seeking help from a healthcare provider. They can give you ideas about what’s causing your anger and how to best cope. If your loved one suffers from depression, anxiety, or dementia, which affects older adults, your doctor may recommend medication to help manage the episodes.
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Hire an elderly caregiver
Caregivers can help older adults feel more secure and independent, which can improve their overall lifestyle and quality of life, and can help with anger management. Additionally, when older family members are aware of their own health issues, caregivers can become even more essential. A reliable caregiver can provide safety in the home, monitor the health of the older person, act as a companion, and assist with physical activities, as well as provide flexibility in your time and peace of mind. Caregivers can help you ensure that your older family member receives essential care, even when you are not around.
In Thailand, there is a hub where you can find elderly caregivers.
At Kiidu, we specialize in helping you find experienced and trained senior caregivers to meet your needs. Many of our caregivers have years of experience in the field and provide quality care. We also have a simple, convenient hiring process for you. We handle all background and documentation checks.
If you are experiencing an elderly person who is prone to anger, do not despair. There are many ways to manage anger, and family members play an important role in helping to manage anger.
Anger management in older adults starts with understanding what is causing the anger. Then you can take the next steps depending on what is causing the anger. It is important to seek professional help when necessary.
