How to Help Older Adults Cope With PTSD At End-of-Life

In the final stages of life, it is normal to reminisce about all the journeys we've gone through. While many tend to remember the positive experiences and milestones, some are still reeling from traumatic and damaging encounters. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a real mental health issue among older adults. The Department of Veteran Affairs reports that approximately 70% to 90% of adults above 65 years old have been exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lives.

Although much of the research on elderly PTSD focuses on older veterans who fought in combat and war, elder abuse is another traumatic event that can trigger this condition. In one comprehensive guide, Maryville University talks about elder abuse as a concerning phenomenon that needs to be understood and addressed by healthcare professionals. Like any other type of abuse, it can take the form of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse and, in some cases, financial exploitation and neglect. The prevalence of elder abuse in America has long-term effects apart from PTSD, such as early death or financial loss. Other documented triggers of PTSD in the elderly include accidents and hospitalization, loss and grief, natural disasters, and sexual assault.

Understanding PTSD and finding ways to respond to it is a task for family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in the field of elderly care. Fortunately, there are actionable ways to help older adults manage symptoms.

So with all that in mind, here are three ways you can help older adults cope with PTSD at end-of-life:

Encourage joining a support group

A lack of social support can be a risk factor for PTSD, so it is critical to help the elderly find support groups with people who share common hobbies, interests, or concerns. Whether online or in person, these groups can help the elderly connect with people going through similar challenges or interests at that stage. The California Department of Aging lists services that provide local community support for the elderly. Being part of a group can help older adults mitigate PTSD symptoms and minimize feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Contact a professional

Caregivers play a critical role in seeking help for elderly patients who are exhibiting symptoms of PTSD such as shame, self-blame, emotional distance, or destructive behavior. Professionals such as crisis managers trained in communication principles we featured here at Peacefully can help the elderly deepen connections with family members and understand the causes and triggers of PTSD. Seeking the help of a therapist can also be beneficial, as some offer trauma-focused psychotherapy designed to help the elderly cope with symptoms. Finding the right medical support that fits the situation requires proactive effort from the family and caregivers in contacting local experts and professionals in the community.

Help keep the mind and body active

In coping with PTSD, it’s important to keep an older adult’s mind and body engaged and active. This can be done through outdoor exercises, traveling, volunteering for the local community, and eating good and nutritious meals. MedicalNewsToday emphasizes how exercise supports physical and mental health for adults in the later stages of life. Aerobic activities reduce the risk of cognitive and depression among the elderly and promote independence and self-worth. Engaging in new hobbies such as cooking, painting, and solving puzzles is a great way to keep their mind in tip-top shape. These are worthwhile activities to pursue in addition to medical treatment to help the elderly cope with PTSD.

PTSD symptoms can make an older adult’s later years in life painful and debilitating without proper management. Help them overcome this condition by encouraging healthy coping strategies to make them feel loved and supported.

— River Jones