Mark of Misery

Teaching Caregivers to Recognise Signs of Distress in Elderly Parents

As our parents age and transition into retirement, we may assume that they experience less stress in this particular life stage given the reduced responsibilities

and commitments. While research have shown that older adults may be better equipped to handle acute stress, they are also more vulnerable to physical health impacts that come with chronic stress. Some common factors that contribute to stress in elderly adults include cognitive impairment, a decline in overall physical health, caretaking responsibilities, problems in family relationships, dealing with grief and loss from seeing close friends and family pass on, less financial independence, and a lack of social support or sense of community.

These risk factors can affect an elderly adult on multiple levels. As caregivers, it is important to have an awareness of the signs of distress in our elderly parents so as to provide adequate and appropriate support. Understanding these signs and ensuring early detection can help seniors learn to recognise their emotional triggers and responses, as well as provide an opportunity to teach them mechanisms to cope with the effects of psychological stress.

It is important to note that going through difficult periods of life is a normal part of the human experience. Our body and mind do go into a fight-flight response as a way to protect ourselves from negative situations. However, if you notice your elderly parent experiencing several of these symptoms over a prolonged period of time, do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with the affected parent or a healthcare professional on the best steps to take moving forward.

PHYSICAL SIGNS OF DISTRESS

Some of the most common physical signs of distress displayed by the elderly are:

• Poor self-care or poor personal hygiene (e.g. unkept clothing, unwashed hair, poor oral hygiene).

• Regular complaints of physical pain.

• Rapid weight gain or weight loss.