You know stress is normal. You also know that it can cause health issues if it goes unmanaged. How does stress impact your dad's health? What can you do to help him avoid common complications from unmanaged stress?
Health Issues Linked to Excessive Stress
Studies have shown that excessive stress can impact the heart. One study found that stress causes high levels of stress hormones that impact the nervous system and the brain. It found that chronic stress shrank the size of the brain, which impacted cognitive function and memory.
Stress is also believed to impact the immune system. It makes a person dealing with chronic stress more likely to contract illnesses like the flu or the common cold from others.
One other study found that excessive stress can impact the heart. Chronic stress can cause the heart to skip a beat or have a heartbeat that occurs with less force than a normal one. It can lower blood pressure and raise the risk of blood clots forming.
How Do You Decrease Stress?
If your dad is often stressed, how do you help him better manage the things causing it? First, you have to figure out what causes his stress. Some of the more common stressors as you age are the death of a spouse, moving to a new home, being diagnosed with a chronic condition, or struggling financially.
Once you've figured out some of his triggers, it's time to take steps to use methods to decrease his stress. If his stress is related to his finances, it may be time to help him with bills and budgeting. If it's related to a chronic health issue, hire home care services to offer him the support he needs at home.
Your dad may be embarrassed to say he needs help around the home. The next time you visit, look at his house to see if his laundry is piling up, his house is clean, or his refrigerator is empty. He may need supportive care services as he ages at home. Services like housekeeping, transportation, and meal preparation will help.
How do you arrange home care? Call an agency and talk to a specialist about your dad's health, living situation, and abilities. If he struggles with mobility, caregivers can help him move around the home, get out of bed or a chair/sofa, and walk up and down the stairs.
Talk to a specialist to learn more about the full range of home care services available in his area. One call helps you find out more about pricing, services, and schedules.
