7 Ways Professional Caregivers Can Support Seniors with Arthritis
Arthritis affects approximately half of Americans over 65 and is the leading cause of adult disability. Arthritis can cause chronic pain and restricted mobility that threatens a senior’s ability to maintain independence at home.
However, many older adults downplay their aching, inflamed joints or rely on over-the-counter pain relievers to get through the day. Some seniors hesitate to "burden" family members with their health concerns, while others mistakenly accept joint discomfort as an inevitable part of aging.
Tips to Help Seniors with Arthritis Age Comfortably at Home
With proper support and effective care strategies, seniors can manage their arthritis condition effectively while maintaining their quality of life.
Discover seven impactful ways professional caregivers from Visiting Angels can help your senior with arthritis to maintain a fulfilling life in the comfort of their home.
- Fall Prevention
Preventing falls and minimizing the fear of falling is a big part of life for people with arthritis. Visiting Angels caregivers have special training through our Safe and Steady® Fall Prevention Program. We provide the tools and resources to help you identify fall risks in your loved one’s home.
- Recognize Signs of Pain
Some seniors might be reluctant to talk about their pain. Some might avoid using prescriptions due to perceived side effects or concerns about becoming dependent on them. Professional caregivers can look for changes in pain symptoms or daily pain patterns. With this information, you and your senior can consult with their health providers on medication changes or referral to a specialized pain clinic.
- Medication Reminders
Keeping up with a medication schedule is key to managing arthritis symptoms. This is especially true for older adults with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. A professional home caregiver can help your older loved one remember to take their medications as prescribed by their doctor. Visiting Angels caregivers do not dispense medication, but they can provide reminders and help establish a daily routine to support their care plan.
- Help with Mobility
Arthritis can turn activities of daily living into daunting tasks. With personal care assistance from Visiting Angels, your senior can get help with day-to-day needs such as bathing, dressing, laundry, and light housekeeping. Our caregivers can remind your loved one to use low-cost assistive devices such as grip aids, long-handled grabbers, and extended zipper pulls that promote independence.
- Weight Management
Carrying excess weight is a significant contributing factor for most types of arthritis, and it makes managing pain more difficult. Your loved one’s doctor may recommend a weight-management plan or an anti-inflammatory diet. A professional caregiver can help your senior adjust to their new routine and help with grocery shopping, meal planning, and meal preparation.
Related reading: How Professional Caregivers Can Help Facilitate Proper Diets
- Getting Active
Chronic pain and limited mobility can make any physical activity—let alone intentional exercise—feel impossible. Seniors living with arthritis often resist or fear any kind of exercise because of the potential for pain or injury. If your loved one needs support adapting to or sticking with recommended exercise or stretching routines, a professional caregiver can provide reminders to follow their care plan. You can also talk with your care coordinator about the benefits of companion care to support emotional wellness and an active lifestyle.
- Transitional Care After Surgery
Debilitating arthritis might require knee or hip replacement surgery. A professional caregiver can be invaluable in easing the transition from hospital to home. The Visiting Angels Ready, Set, Go Home program provides non-medical home care support for seniors following a stay in the hospital or a rehabilitation facility.
Professional In-Home Help for Better Arthritis Management
Caring for an older loved one with a chronic condition can be difficult, and managing their needs can often feel overwhelming. Family members should be aware of the signs of caregiver burnout and know that it’s OK to ask for help.
Professional caregivers help your loved one follow their arthritis care plan. When pain and inflammation are under control, older adults can more fully manage their household, complete daily tasks, and enjoy their favorite active hobbies.
Contact your Visiting Angels local home care office to get started.
