Care at Home for Seniors with Arthritis

Home Care: Arthritis Management in Woodbridge, VA

Arthritis refers to the inflammation of one or more joints. While the disease can affect people of all ages, older adults over 55 are more susceptible. If a loved one is diagnosed with this disease, following the doctor’s instructions and prescriptions and considering home care services is crucial. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common among seniors are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Without proper care, your older loved one may experience severe wear and tear of the cartilage that protects the joints, causing broken bones, autoimmune diseases, and bacterial and viral infections. Here are ways you can manage arthritis and keep your older adult comfortable:

Help them Learn Self-Management Skills

Many seniors usually prefer living independently for as long as possible. If an older loved one is diagnosed with a degenerative disease, encourage them to join a self-management education workshop. This is an excellent opportunity for you, the primary caregiver, to learn skills for managing arthritis and making good decisions about their health. Your senior also feels in control and better equipped to handle pain and other symptoms. Home care providers can help with minor tasks when necessary, improving the quality of life for your older relative.

Physical Activity

Being physically active is an effective and simple, drug-free solution to relieve arthritis pain. Whether gardening, walking, swimming, or dancing, seniors can improve function and reduce pain. However, exercising is only sometimes on top of the list for older adults, so working with a reputable home care service is crucial. Certified caregivers are highly trained and informed, ensuring your loved one exercises safely. In addition, staying active also helps manage other common health complications among seniors, such as diabetes.

Keep Appointments

Routine visits to the doctor are essential to mitigate further deterioration and symptoms. If an older loved one is in your care, getting an accurate diagnosis from a physician is crucial. The slightest increase in joint pain or other symptoms may not be uncommon, but delaying care can worsen the senior’s condition. A professional home care provider can detect the slightest change in the older adult’s condition and advice the family accordingly. Caregivers can also accompany the senior to appointments where the focus is to reduce pain, minimize joint damage, and improve quality of life.

Manage Weight

Older adults are less physically active and would rather spend most of the day on the couch. This can cause weight gain, which is not advisable for people with arthritis. The situation is worse if the patient is overweight or obese, as the excess weight adds stress to the joints, especially in the knees and hips. The physician can recommend arthritis-friendly exercises and dietary changes to help lose weight.

These are simple but effective ways of managing arthritis and improving the overall well-being of your older loved one. If you need to help to care for a senior, home care providers have extensive knowledge and experience which you can leverage to make life better for your relative.

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If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Woodbridge, VA please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484