As aging Veterans age, they may start to experience very different circumstances than they did in the past. When that happens, sometimes they can appear to be more selfish or self-focused than they were in the past. This can be frustrating for family caregivers to manage, especially if they’re trying to help meet some significant needs for the seniors they love. Veterans home care providers can help families understand more about why these changes happen and what families can do.
Physical Health Problems
Health issues take up a lot of time and energy for seniors. Serious health issues, particularly ones that are progressive and have no cure, can even be really scary. Chronic pain and similar symptoms can cause seniors to be hyper-focused on their own needs and wants. Symptoms like dizziness and drowsiness may cause seniors to feel as if they shouldn’t be alone, making them demanding of the people who love them.
Loneliness
When aging Veterans spend a lot of their time alone, they’re more likely to be lonely. That time alone also means that they’re much more focused on paying attention to their own needs only. It can appear to other people that seniors are more self-centered when in reality, they’re lonely and need the chance to spend time with friends and family or home care providers who can offer help and companionship.
Fear
Fear is another powerful issue that aging Veterans battle. They may be afraid of losing their independence, afraid they’ll fall or sustain some other injury, or afraid of what’s going to happen as they continue to grow older. These fears are valid, but they can cause seniors to react in ways that appear to others to be more self-absorbed. Help from Veterans home care experts can alleviate these fears, helping seniors feel more secure at home.
Mental Health Problems
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems are something that a lot of aging Veterans battle as well. These conditions can leave them very little time or energy to think about other people, which can lead to appearing self-centered. Treating these conditions according to treatment plans and going to appointments with doctors helps aging Veterans stay on top of them.
Trauma from the Past
Past trauma is, unfortunately, extremely common for aging Veterans. Dealing with trauma consistently may leave them with very little extra to expend on other people, even when they want to. Difficulties because of past traumatic events are a very real problem that seniors may need help managing. Veterans home care providers understand the challenges that aging Veterans face with trauma and other issues, so they can help them manage their daily needs more easily.
Trying to see things from their perspective is one of the best ways for family caregivers to understand why aging Veterans might seem to be more focused on themselves than they used to be. Ensuring that they have support from experienced Veterans home care providers makes life easier and safer, allowing seniors to relax and know that there are solutions for the problems they’re facing.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Veterans Home Care Services in Queens County, NY, please contact the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and NYC, including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stony Brook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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