Mood swings are a fact of life among old adults. They are easy to deal with, and a little patience should be exercised. However, agitation is another thing. It can be uncontrollable, and it can be wild at times. Dealing with it may require you to be more patient than you should. If it is not dealt with that way, you may feel frustrated. Things can be much more difficult if your elderly is suffering from dementia and similar conditions.
It is okay to feel that way, but if you want to relieve your loved one’s suffering, you must do something. The very first thing you will need to do is to calm yourself down. When you are already calm, it is time to relieve and comfort them. This may also sound challenging on your part, but if you want to make a difference, you need to put in some effort. Here are some of the things you may want to keep in mind:
See if they are in pain
Among the first things you ought to do is see if your parents are in pain. Certain body pains and inconveniences may make your parents uncomfortable, which in turn will lead to agitation and bad moods. Their agitated moods may also be a telltale sign that something is not good about their body. Try to find this out. And when you do, apply first aid, if possible. If the condition is already beyond your means, it’s time to seek the help of a doctor.
Reduce the noise
Try to find out if your parents are stressed. Normally, stress is caused by a noisy environment. If you have confirmed that it is indeed the cause of stress, you may want to reduce it — you can take your parents in a quiet room or if you want, you can play smooth, calming music.
Create a routine
Control and independence are some of the things that the elderly want to have. Otherwise, they will feel stressed out and unstable. You need to give them some sense of control, and that is something that you can easily do by coming up with a routine. Routines give them a regular way of conducting things, and they are helpful, as many old people find it hard to deal with change. Should you introduce some change to their routines, it pays that you do it gradually.
Introduce a pet
A companion can help reduce agitation and negative feelings. In this regard, you may choose to have your elderly undergo therapy that uses pets. Pets, such as dogs and cats, are proven to make people happy and feel good. You may event try horse-assisted therapy. Yes, such a thing exists.
Seek the help of a senior home
There are some things that are beyond your control. If this is what you are dealing with, it would help that you seek help. In this case, a senior home with health care services in Thousand Palms is the institution you need to work with.
Patience. This is what you need these trying times. Above all, understanding and love should always be felt and given.
