As one grows older, they may be more prone to complaining or becoming irritable due to a variety of factors. While you may be doing your best to assist them in daily life, things like chronic pain, social isolation, or even boredom can significantly alter one’s outlook on life and mood. Here are the top few reasons why seniors may complain and how the environment in an adult community in Hamby, TC, can help combat this.
Medications Can Affect Mood and Behavior
Many prescription drugs have adverse side effects that include personality changes. Psychiatric medications are a prime example. Though their effects on the body are quite complex, they are meant to change a person’s brain chemistry in order to improve mood and behavior. Some of these medications may simply not work well with an elderly person’s unique brain chemistry, and taking the wrong drug may occasionally make their situation worse. Moreover, some of these medications take many weeks to fully exert their effects, whether they are favorable or unfavorable.
The team at an assisted living community will be there to monitor your loved one’s mood and keep track of their medication schedule. They will also be able to communicate with your loved one’s doctor about any changes in mood or behavior to ensure any new medication and the dosage are still appropriate for their condition.
Chronic Pain can Trigger Irritability in Seniors
Chronic pain can negatively impact a person’s quality of life and functional abilities. These pains might develop suddenly or very gradually over time, affecting one psychologically and emotionally. According to studies, seniors who have chronic pain are more likely to experience negative mood states such as hostility, despair, exhaustion, and worry.
Many senior citizens also avoid visiting the doctor, choosing to conceal the true source of their discomfort by being overly critical of other aspects of life.
The team members at an adult community will be in a position to monitor your loved one for obvious signs of physical discomfort that could be causing their behavioral change. This includes limping, moving slowly, or walking less, as arthritic joint pain is a common source of discomfort among the elderly. They can then make an appointment for your parents to visit a doctor if they complain or act out frequently, so that their painful health problems may be looked at.
Boredom Might be the Cause of Complaints
Seniors may begin to feel bored or lose a sense of purpose in life after retirement. These feelings are frequently made worse by their decreased energy, limited mobility, and other aging-related changes that impact their independence, daily routines, and functioning. Seniors may fixate on the unpleasant parts of their lives or intentionally look for things to complain about if they don’t have much else to focus on. As they age and slow down, complaining becomes a new “passion” or a coping mechanism for many seniors.
Thankfully, an adult community is where they can find a hobby that best suits their interests and skill levels. Engaging in some of the many activities and events available will keep them busy, involved, and fulfilled.
The vibrant and attentive environment of retirement communities can often keep the tendency to complain at bay for many senior citizens. Consider how it may improve the quality of life for you or your loved one today!
