Paranoia and Your Elderly Parent
Elderly Care Springfield PA
Paranoia, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a psychosis characterized by systematized delusions of persecution or grandeur usually without hallucinations; or a tendency on part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others. It can invoke intense anxious or fearful feelings and thoughts; and it is fairly common in the elderly population.
Not only does this change in mental status affect the senior, it influences the caregiver as well. This disturbance can result in behavior that alienates friends and family. They may begin to irrationally blame or accuse those closest to them of stealing or lying. Their social network begins to diminish just when they and their caregivers need it the most.
Causes
While it is not always easy to pinpoint the cause, there are several factors that can contribute to paranoia. These include medications, a physical illness, the onset of dementia, impaired vision and hearing, stress, depression, and social isolation. Those that have experienced a trauma which in turn led to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder also have a higher risk of developing this impairment.
Treatment
Depending on the cause, treatment can be anything from medications to emotional support to corrective procedures or equipment for vision or hearing loss. The important point is that until you know the cause, you cannot know the treatment. Early intervention and diagnosis by their health care provider is paramount.
How to Help
It’s easy to dismiss paranoid tendencies and the fear they generate; however, showing your parent concern by really listening to their issues helps dissolve the tension. You can’t always solve the dilemma, but you can provide emotional support and comfort which, in many cases, the lack of has contributed to the feelings of paranoia.
Asking for help is as important as giving it. While it can be difficult caring for an elderly parent, adding paranoia to the mix can overwhelm the best intended. If family and friends are unavailable for support, consider obtaining the services of an in-home elderly care provider. These professional and personable individuals have the experience of caring for the elderly in all the varying aspects and stages of aging. They can provide the care and support your parent needs, and you can relax for a bit, knowing your loved one is in good hands.
Resources: Medscape; Paranoid Symptoms Among Older Adults; Muzumel Chardhary; Geriatrics and Aging; 2008; 11 (3)
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in Springfield PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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