7 Common Fears of Seniors

Many older adults experience unique concerns due to some specific situations in their lives. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate these issues, so it is best to manage these issues before they get devastating.

Cleveland home care professionals discuss the most common fears of seniors along with the possibilities to lower them.

1. Loneliness

Many older adults lose their family, friends, and loved one to the inability to travel caused by physical weakness and age-related illnesses. Help your loved one socialize by planning outing with friends and encourage monthly or fortnightly family meetings. If your loved one lives far away from family and acquaintances, find social groups in the community like book clubs, support groups, or even knitting groups he or she can join and find new people to meet.

2. Poor Finances

Decreasing retirement social security funds can leave seniors worrying about money. Consult a financial adviser who can help your aging loved one smartly budget funds to enjoy available benefits.

3. Feeling Unsafe

Seniors are at risk for abuse, accidents, and theft, but feeling unsafe and defenseless can make them feel worse. Taking proactive steps to encourage safety can help seniors feel relaxed, more secure, and in control. Invest in an alarm or panic alert button and make home upgrades to lower the risks of slip and falls in the home.

4. Lowered Dignity

Many aging adults fear the loss of dignity in the golden years due to serious illness and lowered brain function. Provide your loved one a sense of independence by giving as much privacy as possible to boost his or her self-esteem. Help him or her understand that these issues happen naturally with age and there is nothing to feel ashamed of.

5. Poor Health

Physical weakness is common with age, but gradually losing physical abilities can be the worst thing to think about. Take preventive measures like adding calcium supplements to your loved one’s diet to prevent bone disease and encourage an exercise routine to boost physical fitness. Get devices like hearing aids and orthopedic shoes that can restore lost health and increase positivity and willingness to make healthier choices.

6. Memory Impairment

Aging adults often fear they may not be able to remember anything the use to love. This fear usually comes out as anxiety-related behaviors, like hoarding. Help our loved one create a box of treasured heirlooms and craft scrapbooks full of old photos. A source of tangible connection to the past can be very comforting.

7. Loss of Independence

Losing physical abilities and having to take help from others for random thins is the biggest concern among seniors. According to a study done by the Disabled Living Foundation, seniors fear losing independence more than dying. To help seniors lower this fear, invest in assistive living aids to help them care for themselves instead of asking for help with every little thing.

With some serious medical conditions, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, it becomes crucial for seniors to have a professional at-home caregiver. If your aging loved one needs help to enhance his or her quality of life, consider hiring professional Dementia care. Cleveland families should opt for a reliable senior in-home care provider to allow their loved ones get the help they need to enjoy the golden years without leaving the comfort of home.

Cleveland Home Care is a leading provider of comprehensive, yet customizable senior caregiving services.