Understanding PTSD in Older Adults

PTSD is a disorder that not only affects the younger and military individuals it also found in many older peoples but most of the time it is ignored by them.

PTSD in older people may occur due to the things happened in there life like being in army, have a bad accident, being very sick for long time, lost someone whom they loved or having a trauma when they were younger.When they get older, they feel lonely so the memories which they want to forget came into their mind which made them feel stressed and sad.

The older people don’t talk about what they are feel unlike younger individuals but the symptoms may occur like insomnia, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, memory losses, complain about body pain.They usually avoid to talk about their past, get lonely and distant from other people and easily scared by loud sound or any change in there daily routine.

In addition, the older people also kept there emotional torture secret, believe that they are tough and strong and also scared from people that they would judge them. It is challenging for the family members to identify the PTSD. It becomes hard when the symptoms are overlapped with other disorders like depression or memory loss.

The support can make a big difference. Talking with a counselor or getting care with a support group and the person who understands the trauma can make significant change. A peaceful routine and kind company can help to reduce fear and loneliness. Simple conversations like chatting can help them to heal and to trust again.

At MIWA home care we can understand the emotional needs of older people and caretakers are trained to help them in daily tasks and also give them the emotional support in a respectful way keeping in mind the story of every patient.

If you know a person in your family who is dealing with the traumas to let you know it’s never late to seek help with right care. The older people with PTSD can now live a peaceful, safe and quality life in their own home.