Don’t Let Arthritis Pain Slow Your Aging Relative Down
Chances are your aging relative is dealing with arthritis, because more than half of all elderly adults in the country have some form of this joint condition. Some forms of arthritis are severe enough that it affects the elderly person’s ability to take care of themselves if they live alone. This debilitating chronic condition may prevent them from grabbing, bending, lifting and even walking. As a family caregiver, you must work with your elderly relative and their doctor to help manage their arthritis pain.
Home Care in Fairfax County VA: Avoid Arthritis Pain
Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis in the Elderly
Arthritis is a general term to describe joint pain in the areas where bones meet one another. The inflamed joints cause a lot of pain with movement, making it difficult for seniors to be active. It can affect the back, neck, shoulders, hips, hands, feet or any combination of these. To date, there is no cure for the condition. Many elderly adults with moderate to serious arthritis rely on family caregivers for assistance.
If you are not very familiar with arthritis, you may not realize the extent of the symptoms and how dramatically they can interfere with your elderly loved one’s life. Arthritis symptoms include swelling, pain, and stiffness in joints. More subtle symptoms include redness, tenderness and whole-body fatigue. Arthritis pain might be sharp and stabbing, or dull and throbbing. In some areas, such as the hands, it can lead to a bony or bumpy appearance. Family caregivers must help their aging loved one get to regular appointments with the doctor for regular treatments.
Treatment and Quality of Life for Seniors with Arthritis
Even though there is no way to completely get rid of arthritis, your aging relative’s doctors can work out a treatment that helps them manage the symptoms and improve their quality of life. Massages and pain medication help with a lot of the discomfort and occupational therapy can also boost their ability to do things for themselves. A healthy diet and regular activity strengthen muscles, which can also improve arthritis symptoms. Despite the available treatments, too many aging relatives let their arthritis slow them down and they don’t live a very active life.
If your aging loved one is living in their home alone but is no longer able to keep up with the daily tasks to keep them healthy and safe, consider hiring a home care provider. These professionals can take on a lot of the duties that your elderly relative simply cannot do anymore. Not only that, home care providers encourage seniors to do as much as they can for themselves while knowing they are there to take up many of the struggles.
Also, home care providers are excellent companions, so seniors aren’t alone or isolated. They can encourage seniors to go on outings, do their daily exercising, and drive them to physical therapy or occupational therapy appointments to improve their abilities and properly manage the symptoms so that arthritis doesn’t stop them from the things they want to do. If you are looking for ways to help your elderly loved one live a full life despite their arthritis pain, check out home care providers for dependable assistance.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Fairfax County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
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