Helping out an Elderly Parent
Posted by: Nettybear
6th Oct 2012 05:11pm
I have a problem with my mother who lives alone in a small unit. She gets on very well with her neighbours and they do little things for each other etc... which is great! Last Sunday while I was talking to her she had acute panic attack where her lips went purple and her tongue was swollen. I called an ambulance which was fine and they told her to go the Doctors the next day - which she did. He has put her on anti depression tablets 10ml which is the limit for an eldery person. The problem that I am facing is I do not know how to help her more. She is not sleeping (that is worrying her) and her forehead feels tight and she is feeling sick - but not to be sick, she is also not steady on her feet. Her next appointment is next week but I am running out of ideas to calm her. She loves playing her CD's and having background noise (radio) on but she is not doing that - her normal thing. Her friends are ringing up and calling in to see her but....... We speak daily on the phone as I live many hours away and I was there for one week a few weeks ago. I give her encouragement and say that it will pass when the tablets get into your system. Any ideas?? Thankyou
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Comments 6
wen28
As someone who has battled with anxiety and panic attacks, as well as depression for several years, I can give you a couple of tips. I agree with surveyqueen, meditation CD's are excellent at relieving panic and stress. There are sooo many out there to choose from. Several websites offer free downloads - www.malhuxter.com is a good place to start.
I had bad experiences on medication. Often the side affects are worse than the initial problem. Pharmaceutical companies don't really want to help people, they just want more customers. The best thing for me was to take Valerian. It is a herb that helps to promote sleep and relaxation. Very effective. You can take it as a herbal tea, or tablet/capsule form. Also passionflower, St John's Wort (be careful mixing this with antidepressants).. Also lavender oil is a natural relaxant. A little bit dabbed onto a handkerchief and sniffed while escalating in panic is helpful.
Good luck :) This will pass, keep calm and strong...
Nettybear
How wonderful it was to hear from you and thank you very much on your suggestion on Valerian and also the lavender oil on the handkerchief . At present, (also) she is not confident to go up the street by herself (she panics) and maybe with the lavender oil will give her alittle more confidence! I hope you are feeling much better yourself and I hope you have a very good New Year!.
Theboys
you should really think of getting some blood tests done. there might be an underlying cause for her not feeling well.
Nettybear
Thank-you for your post much appreciated! Good luck to you and yours in 2013.
surveyqueen
I used to suffer from panic attacks so I have some experience,lol. Make sure you stay calm etc as your mum will pick up on your anxiety and panic more. It can be a bit of a spiral if you are not careful. Also, if she is open to the idea i highly recommend meditation - either cd's, online, whatever is suitable. They really helped me
Nettybear
Thankyou very much for replying! I hope that you are still feeling better!!