Symptoms and Care for Seniors Arthritis

Symptoms and Care for Seniors Arthritis

Did you know that the word “arthritis” means “inflamed joint”? As people age, decades of wear and tear on your body can result in inflamed joints. Sometimes past injuries can become the sight of arthritis, but it can also simply be because of normal physical activity that occurs in everyday life. World Arthritis Day happens every October in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis as a way to prevent further joint damage.

care for senior arthritis

There are two main types of arthritis, both of which can appear as we age. Once diagnosed, many seniors find great support through home health care services as they offer numerous elderly care services that can make living with arthritis easier and more comfortable.

  1. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in elderly people and begins when the tissue that pads the bones in a joint becomes ragged and wears away. In severe cases, all of the tissue in a joint wears away, leaving bones that rub against each. In addition to age, osteoarthritis in the hands or hips may be genetic and osteoarthritis in the knees can be linked with being overweight.
  1. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where your body attacks the lining of a joint and leads to inflammation in your joints. People of any age can develop rheumatoid arthritis, and it is more common in women.

If you notice any of the following issues, make an appointment to speak with your doctor about arthritis:

  • Stiff joints upon waking in the morning
  • Difficulty getting out of bed or into and out of vehicles
  • Constant or frequently reoccurring aching of knees, hands, hips, neck or lower back
  • Swelling of the joints in your hands and feet
  • Increased difficulty moving at a normal pace for daily activities like walking or climbing stairs
  • Joint pain, even when resting

How To Care For Seniors With Arthritis

When someone suffers from arthritis, they struggle with mobility and have difficulty being able to do everyday tasks such as open doors, squeeze bottles or cut food using a knife and fork. The following treatments and recommendations can help those living with arthritis:

  • Using a cane and/or medically appointed footwear to reduce the stress on joints.
  • Finding devices specifically for people with arthritis (easy grip) that can make everyday tasks more manageable.
  • Talking to your doctor about medication that can help with pain and swelling.
  • Exercise that focuses on endurance, range of motion and strength can make muscles around the joints stronger.
  • Acupuncture
  • Physiotherapy

Arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to manage simple tasks, but with the right home care assistance or live in care, many seniors dealing with arthritis can remain safely at home and continue to enjoy independent living. iCare Home Health provides home care assistance in Oakville, Burlington, and Mississauga and can meet with you and your loved one to discuss the best options that will provide the support you need. Contact us to get a free assessment of your needs.

 

avatar

President of iCare Home Health Services, a community based, boutique home health care company dedicated to serving the needs of our customers to maintain their quality of life and dignity while they recover from illness or age at the comfort of their own home.