Caregiver Care Guide - Anxiety

A caregiver's guide to helping a loved one under hospice care with the symptoms of anxiety.

What are some Symptoms of Anxiety?

• Fear or worrying

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling unable to “catch your breath”

• Trouble concentrating or focusing

• Inability to relax or “get comfortable"

• Fidgeting, frequently changing position, restlessness

What can be done to Manage Anxiety?

• Treat other conditions that may be causing anxiety, such as pain

• Slow, deep breathing

• Keeping environment calm (consider limiting visitors)

• Listening to preferred music

• Provide reassurance and support

• Sometimes medications, such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants, may be needed to manage anxiety

What are some of the Side Effects of Treating Anxiety?

Medications used to treat anxiety may have some of the following side effects. With continued use, many of these effects will decrease or may even go away.

• Increased sleepiness or feeling “groggy”

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Impaired coordination

• Headache

If Anxiety is not managed or medication side effects do not improve, notify the hospice team.

To view or download a hardcopy of the "Caregiver Care Guide: Anxiety," click the download button below.

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