FAQs Archive — Concierge Care Advisors

Q: How Do You Treat PTSD?

Before having treatment for PTSD, a detailed assessment of your symptoms will be carried out to ensure treatment is tailored to your individual needs. Your GP will often carry out an initial assessment, but you'll be referred to a mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment if you have had symptoms of PTSD for more than 4 weeks or your symptoms are severe. If you have PTSD that requires treatment, psychological therapies are usually recommended first. A combination of psychological therapy and medication may be recommended if you have severe or persistent PTSD. Your GP can refer you to a clinic that specializes in treating PTSD if there's one in your area. Or you can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapy service. Depending on the caregiver’s situation, that might mean private, group or family therapy sessions. Some other helpful remedies include meditation, physical therapy (massages), and EMDR (or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Some doctors may also recommend alternative treatments like acupuncturists, chiropractors, and Reiki masters. Ultimately though, the best way to treat PTSD is to recognize the symptoms and exercise self-awareness. You may not be okay and it’s more than okay to reach out. Remember that “self-care” should always come first.

Q: Does Caregiving Cause PTSD?

Yes, for many people. It’s not simply physically exhausting, but emotionally, mentally, and financially draining as well. This is especially true for adult children who take care of parents with dementia or severe disability. Many of them feel an extreme amount of pressure and guilt to provide care but feel powerless to stop the debilitating condition of their parents.

Q: Who Suffers from PTSD?

Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes war veterans, children, and people who have been through a physical or sexual assault, abuse, accident, disaster, or other serious events—including caregivers. According to the National Center for PTSD , about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

Q: What are the Symptoms of PTSD?

The symptoms of this anxiety disorder are manifold and some people may experience a few or all of them. Increased Anxiety: If you’ve ever had a night terror then you’ll understand what this is like. Post-trauma stress can manifest in your psyche and put you on high alert – all night. Relive the Experience: For caregivers, this might mean you flashback to your loved one berating you during a time when they were sundowning. It may be feeling like you’ve lost them all over again. It could happen hand-in-hand with increased anxiety, where you’re suddenly on high alert and worried your loved one is wandering around the house. Physical Pain & Mental Anguish: Many caregivers suffering from PTSD report aches and pains that won’t go away. Additionally, many experience headaches and thoughts of hopelessness. They feel unable to move forward. Antisocial Behavior: Many caregivers detach from their families and friends, feeling numb, empty, and guilt-ridden. They may think about death and contemplate suicide. The scary part about PTSD is that it can lead to suicide and that’s why it’s all the more important to be wary of what’s happening to you or your loved one. Everyone handles death differently, but if someone appears to be suffering some of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress, then it’s time to get professional help.

Q: What are the Causes of PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a very stressful, frightening or distressing event, or after a prolonged traumatic experience. Types of events that can lead to PTSD include: serious accidents physical or sexual assault abuse, including childhood or domestic abuse exposure to traumatic events at work, including remote exposure serious health problems, such as being admitted to intensive care childbirth experiences, such as losing a baby war and conflict torture PTSD develops in about 1 in 3 people who experience severe trauma.

Q: What Exactly is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Although PTSD is typically associated with combat veterans, victims of abuse or violence, survivors of disasters, or first responders, it can also affect caregivers.

Q: I have more questions, who should I contact?

Please contact us any time about any question you may have. You and your family are facing life changing decisions and we are here to help.

Q: Can we use Medicare benefits for senior care expenses?

Unfortunately, Medicare only covers short term, non-custodial care needs.

Q: Can we use Medicaid benefits to pay?

Medicaid benefits vary by state, but may cover health needs such as: Long term care services including nursing homes and alternatives; home health services; or personal care services. The qualifications for Medicaid vary by state as well. Learn more about Washington State Medicaid . Medicaid is a complex program. While we’re not Medicaid experts, we are knowledgeable and have helped thousands of others in your same situation. We can help you assess your options by contacting a Concierge Care Advisor.