If you have an aging loved one, it’s natural that you want their later years to be happy, fulfilling and comfortable. You also understand it’s not just their physical needs that need tending to – their mental and emotional health is equally important. However, issues like cognitive degeneration, social isolation and poor sleep in later years can all negatively impact mood and wellbeing, leading to issues including anxiety, depression and paranoia.
Although paranoia in elderly people is relatively common and generally isn’t dangerous, it can certainly be upsetting – no one wants to imagine their parent, spouse or family member in distress, especially if you can’t always be there to soothe them. That’s why having a professional in-home caregiver can provide a stable and reassuring presence not just for your loved one, but for you as well.
What Signs of Paranoia Should I Look Out For?
Research shows us that there is indeed a link between aging and mental health conditions like paranoia, which falls under the category of psychosis, which is when an individual is separated from reality and therefore sees, hears or believes things that aren’t real. Common symptoms include thinking they are being followed, believing they’ve been robbed when an item has been misplaced, being convinced people are talking about them behind their back, hearing strange noises, or an unfounded conviction that they are being mistreated. These feelings are often accompanied by strong negative emotions such as anger, fear and jealousy.
What Triggers Paranoia in Older People?
There are a number of conditions and situations that can lead to paranoia in elderly loved ones. While some of these conditions can be easily identified and treated, others may be more difficult to diagnose and remedy. These include:
- Degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia, which affect memory and cognitive function
- Certain medications which can cause irritability or hallucinations
- Brain tumors and vascular conditions, such as a stroke or blood clots
- Urinary tract infections, which can trigger sudden confusion and delirium if left untreated
- Social isolation, particularly in seniors living alone
As with any health concern, if you are worried paranoia is impacting your loved one’s daily life, then you should speak to their physician as soon as you can.
How to Help a Loved One Experiencing Paranoia
Seeing your loved one getting anxious or upset can be difficult, but it’s important not to react with anger or frustration or to let things escalate into an argument. Instead, some easy steps you can take to help include:
Investigate their concerns. Sadly, unscrupulous people do often take advantage of vulnerable older people, so always double check to ensure this is not the case.
Check assistance devices. Make sure hearing aids are working properly and glasses prescriptions are up to date.
Maintain a routine. Avoid changing schedules, moving furniture or even rearranging cupboards.
Consider professional assistance. Regular visits from a private home caregiver, particularly one trained in dementia care or mental health in older adults, can help provide stability, routine and sense of calm.
Other Benefits of Professional Senior Care
While we know that you want to do everything possible to keep your loved one safe and happy, there are times when coping with their paranoia can be tough and even overwhelming – especially if you are dealing with accusations of theft or mistreatment or have other responsibilities to worry about. This is when a professional caregiver can provide expert assistance, as they are trained in dealing with distressed or angry individuals and understand how to navigate these difficult situations.
On the other hand, introducing a new person into the home is a change, and paranoid individuals can often be suspicious or mistrusting of a new caregiver, so it needs to be handled sensitively and sympathetically. At FirstLight, we understand how important trust is and will take the time to get to know your loved one and build a relationship they can rely on. For those at risk of social isolation, regular visits also provide company, conversation and valuable human connection.
Share the Burden of Care With FirstLight
It’s true that no one can understand your loved one as well as you do, and nothing can replace the bond you have with them. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be times when you could use a little extra support. At FirstLight Home Care, our compassionate, professional team of in-home caregivers is specially trained to manage symptoms of paranoia in elderly patients – so if you’d like help from someone who’ll take the time to get to know your loved one and do more to help them live their fullest life, reach out to the team at FirstLight about a personalized care plan today.