7 Tips for Helping Your Loved One With Arthritis
Did you know that there are more than 100 types of arthritis? The most common is osteoarthritis, in which the tissues in the joint (such as a knee or hip) break down over time. There’s also rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake.
Those and the many other types of arthritis—which are all incurable—can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. The pain may be slight or require medication. Stiffness and swelling may cause someone with arthritis to avoid physical activity, but that can only make it worse. All of these physical symptoms can make the person more vulnerable to falling.
Besides the physical challenges, arthritis can cause emotional distress, such as depression and anxiety, which can further impact quality of life. Chronic pain and limited mobility can contribute to feelings of helplessness and frustration. Arthritis can also limit social activities and participation in community events, leading to social isolation and loneliness.
If you have a friend or loved one who has arthritis, there are many ways you can be helpful and supportive. Here are some suggestions:
Remember, everyone’s experience with arthritis is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing you can do is to be there for your loved one and offer your support in whatever way they need it.
When it comes to home modifications to help make aging at home safer and easier to navigate, there are several key ones:
- Reclining electric Lift Chair to make it easier to sit & get out of chair. Also, they are very comfortable.
- Bathroom modifications: Raised Toilet seat or a Commode to go over the toilet. The higher the seat the easier it is to get on and off the toilet. Shower bench and handheld shower head for easier and safer cleaning for a walk-in shower. Handrails in the shower stall for improved safety and mobility.
- If there are steps to get in or out of house install ramps and / or handrails for safer and easier mobility.
- For 2nd Story homes or houses with basements you may want to consider an electric stair lift for improved safety and livability in the house so that you can continue to benefit from using the entire home.
These are just a few key modifications to consider as you and your family consider Aging in Place in the comfort of home. Also, if you are now no longer completely independent and need some assistance due to declining physical or cognitive function it may time to hire a Caregiver from our office of Right at Home Eastern LI. When you can no longer completely care for yourself at home, the Care staff at our office can begin to assist you to continue living in your own home in your Aging journey. Please contact our office to get more information to see how we can assist you as we look forward to hearing from you.
