Anxiety
X

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can impact an older person’s quality of life. For people nearing the end of life, anxiety can also make symptoms like pain, breathlessness, or delirium worse. By being alert to anxiety, offering support, and advocating for better care, you can help improve the comfort and wellbeing of older people in your care.

What I can do

Older people may not always say they feel anxious, so look for signs such as:

  • Restlessness or irritability
  • muscle tension
  • breathlessness and palpitations.

Some people may not know why they are feeling anxious. A simple check-in can make a big difference. Try asking:

  • Is there anything troubling you?
  • Is there anything you would like to talk about?
  • How can we support you at this time?

If you suspect a person has anxiety:

  • Discuss your concerns with the care team
  • Document them in the person’s care notes
  • Alert the GP, if appropriate, for further assessment and management.

Medication isn’t always needed. Simple supportive strategies led by a diversional therapist might help. These include:

  • Gentle touch, music, or relaxation techniques
  • Mindfulness exercises
  • Massage or aromatherapy.
Tips for Careworkers: Anxiety
 
Tips for Nurses: Anxiety

What I can learn

The palliAGED Practice Tips give helpful guidance on supporting older people with anxiety. There is a version for nurses as well as one for careworkers. 

Watch the video Benzodiazepines at the end of life in the palliAGED Education on the Run Series for aged care nurses.

The role of benzodiazepines at end of life

 

Explore the current research evidence on this topic by reading the CareSearch Anxiety Clinical Evidence Summary.

Prescribers can find advice on managing anxiety and agitation with medication in the CareSearchgp and palliMEDs apps.

CareSearchgp app

What I can give

If an older person or their family is struggling with anxiety, these resources may help:

What I can suggest

Raise awareness within your care team that anxiety affects around 1 in 10 older people and is especially common in residential aged care.

Advocate for routine anxiety assessments as part of care planning. A validated tool like the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (fee involved) can help.

Recommend regular education sessions on recognising and managing anxiety in aged care. This aligns with Outcome 5.5 Clinical safety under the revised Aged Care Standards.

Encourage your service to provide a range of service to help reduce anxiety and improve quality of life. For example:

  • Life review or dignity therapy can provide a sense of purpose and closure.
  • Music therapy is known for its calming effects and has evidence to support its effectiveness.
  • Namaste Care is a structured, multisensory program with strong evidence for reducing anxiety and agitation in people with advanced dementia.


Page created 08 January 2025