When seniors experience paranoia, it can be terrifying for everyone involved. Seniors can experience paranoia for a variety of different reasons, sometimes because of health issues and sometimes because of experiences they’ve had in the past. Veteran’s care providers can help families and aging veterans learn more about paranoia and find ways to support seniors who suffer from it.

 

What Is Paranoia?

Paranoia is a thought process in which people are suspicious of other people around them. They might have a lot of anxiety or fear about what people might do to harm them or to cause them discomfort. People suffering from paranoia may believe some situations are true that are very far away from reality, which can be scary for the people who love them to witness.

Some of the symptoms of paranoia could include agitation, seniors feeling that they’re being treated poorly, and seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.

 

What Contributes to Paranoia in Seniors?

Seniors who are suffering from paranoia might do so because of a variety of reasons. They could have mental health issues, like bipolar disorder, or they could be dealing with progressive health issues like dementia.

Some medications can cause paranoia, as can alcohol if seniors drink too much. PTSD can also cause seniors to experience paranoia, which means that an unfortunately large number of veterans may face this issue.

 

Listen Empathetically

The first step in supporting someone who is battling paranoia is to listen to what they’re saying. That might feel like confirming something that isn’t true, but what it does is offer them validation.

When they’re feeling calmer, the paranoia may lessen, and they may be better able to share information about what’s happening. More information can help medical providers offer solutions.

 

Avoid Arguing

Listening needs to be just that. Arguing or trying to convince them that what they’re saying or experiencing isn’t true can feed into the paranoia, which is not helpful. Instead, offer reassurance and validation.

This isn’t easy to do at first, but veteran’s care providers can help families learn how to communicate with someone who is living with paranoia.

 

Create a Calm Environment

Veteran’s care providers can also help families create a calm and soothing environment for aging veterans having trouble with paranoia. They can assist with tasks like light housekeeping tasks, transportation assistance, meal preparation, and more.

As they get to know the seniors they’re helping, they can also get better at learning what helps them when they’re feeling paranoid and what to avoid saying or doing.

 

Get Additional Help

Family caregivers may need additional help from their own medical providers, support groups, and therapists to manage their stress levels appropriately.

Knowing that they can rely on experienced veteran’s care providers for respite time is also incredibly helpful. Seniors are in good hands temporarily, so that family caregivers can take care of themselves for a bit.

 

Paranoia is a big challenge to manage for aging veterans. With help from veteran’s care providers, families can learn what is helpful so they can give the seniors they love the best possible quality of life.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Veteran’s Care in Alhambra, CA, please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890