Hearing seniors chatting to themselves is not unusual. In fact, self-talk is a common strategy used by people of all ages to solve problems, come to decisions, or just get by. However, for some seniors, this seemingly innocent act might point to a more serious issue. The good news is that companion care at home and loved ones can work together to monitor seniors’ self-talk to ensure nothing else is going on.
The Reasons Behind Seniors’ Self-Talk
There are many reasons behind self-talk, including the ones listed above. For seniors, some of these reasons may include the following:
- Memory Maintenance and Cognitive Decline: Cognitive abilities, especially memory, might begin to deteriorate as people age. Seniors who talk to themselves have better memory retention and organizational skills. To help them grasp a procedure better, they could, for example, talk over a task list aloud to make sure they don’t forget it.
- Increased Sense of Company: Self-talk can provide some seniors, particularly those who live alone, with a feeling of camaraderie. Even if they’re only talking to themselves, it can help them feel less alone and more bonded.
- Reduction of Stress: Seniors who engage in self-talk can learn how to control their emotions and stress. They may find solace or understanding in a situation by talking things through, which can improve their ability to manage their emotions.
When to Be Concerned
As mentioned, even though self-talk is generally harmless, there are some circumstances in which it should raise red flags. Some of those situations are explored below:
- Continuous and Haphazard Self-Talk: When a senior starts talking to themselves excessively, erratically, or nonsensically, it may be a sign of a bigger problem. This may indicate cognitive issues where disordered thought and communication are widespread, including dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Delusions or Paranoia: Self-talk that is characterized by paranoia, delusions, or an exaggerated sense of danger may indicate a mental health condition like schizophrenia or extreme anxiety. This is especially worrying if there are themes of fear or persecution in the self-talk.
- Personality Changes: A decline in mental health may be indicated if the self-talk is accompanied by notable personality changes or isolation. Seniors who withdraw from things they once enjoyed may need to be assessed further.
- Effect on Day-to-Day Tasks: With companion care at home, it’s easy to see when self-talk starts to impact daily tasks such as personal hygiene or other tasks that seniors were previously able to handle themselves.
Addressing Concerns
One of the many benefits of having companion care at home services is noted above, and that’s the ability to monitor seniors on a daily basis. They may also document the frequency of self-talk, type, and context to identify a pattern. Other things they might record include modifications to behavior, mood, or day-to-day activities. Healthcare professionals will find this material to be very helpful.
Speaking of the medical team, when alarming issues arise, loved ones can accompany seniors to their appointments to ensure they’re addressed. A physician or mental health professional can examine the circumstances, order the required tests, and offer the right treatment or recommendations.
Seniors’ self-talk is frequently a normal and acceptable aspect of aging. Still, it’s critical to maintain vigilance and pay attention to behavioral changes that may indicate underlying problems. By working together, companion care at home providers and loved ones can ensure seniors receive the support they need.
Providing exceptional Companion Care at Home in Springfield, VA, for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/balance/why-people-talk-to-themselves
- https://assistinghands.com/47/illinois/batavia/blog/excessive-talking-dementia/
- https://www.agingcare.com/articles/elders-repeating-the-same-story-146023.htm
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