Senior ADHD: Home Care Hickville NY
As the older generation expands, there may also be a rise in the diagnosis of ADHD for seniors. This isn’t necessarily because seniors suddenly have symptoms of attention deficit disorder. It’s because their lifestyle changes, which typically include slowing down, aren’t masking the symptoms anymore. Unfortunately, diagnosis of ADHD in older adults is difficult since those symptoms are similar to dementia. Thankfully, with the help of loved ones and home care, proper diagnosis can help seniors work through ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in Older Adults
Diagnosing seniors with ADHD can be challenging since there isn’t a set procedure for screening it. Additionally, seniors who exhibit symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD may also have evolved coping mechanisms over a long period of time. These coping skills could conceal well-known symptoms, such as “hyperactivity” or “inattentiveness.”
It is well known that ADHD is a lifelong disorder that can impact the overall quality of life. In fact, at least two-thirds of those diagnosed with ADHD as children still experience symptoms as adults. However, doctors are not taught to examine patients over 60 for ADHD. They are more inclined to investigate other potential reasons for forgetfulness and fuzziness, such as dementia or stroke.
Symptoms of ADHD
If a close relative has ADHD, other family members are nine times more likely to struggle with it. Since testing and diagnosis weren’t common when seniors were younger, they might not consider if they have the disorder until a grandchild is diagnosed with it. Since ADHD lasts a lifetime, the symptoms do not simply go away with age. Common ADHD symptoms for seniors include the following:
- Restlessness
- Fidgeting
- Talking excessively
- Difficulty unwinding
- Difficulty sitting down
- Furious outbursts
- Disorganization
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty planning and finishing projects
- Issues with time management
- Impulsivity
Treatment for Senior ADHD
For ADHD, doctors most frequently recommend stimulants that increase the brain’s neurotransmitters and improve focus. Doctors will explore different non-stimulant medications for patients who cannot take stimulants or who do not benefit from them. Although this option might still be beneficial, they tend to work more slowly.
Finding the correct medication and dosage might take a bit of experimentation. Loved ones, home care, and seniors can all weigh in to help understand if the medication is working. Understanding that the capacity to tolerate medications safely may deteriorate with aging is important, bringing another dimension to the equation. The fact that seniors typically take various other medications may also make things tricky.
More study is needed to determine how ADHD medications affect older adults over the long term. Meanwhile, seniors should discuss concerns with their doctor if they experience negative effects.
Non-Medication Options For ADHD
Beyond medication, there are things that home care and loved ones might consider when helping seniors with their ADHD symptoms.
- Providing education in organization and time management
- Setting up a consistent routine
- Suggesting therapy to assist with issues
- Encouraging seniors to focus on mindfulness to help with staying still
If loved ones notice seniors struggling more, talking with them and their home care professionals is important. By monitoring the situation, the team can assess where the difficulties lie and how to help seniors work through the issues.
A diagnosis of ADHD isn’t the worst thing possible – but lifestyle changes that focus on organization, mindfulness, and patience will need to occur for seniors to feel better and be more successful.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Hickville, NY please contact the caring staff at Brookville Homecare today. 516-802-7722