Arthritis comes with age and it is frequently experienced by seniors. It is a very painful condition because the joints have been inflamed. Getting the needed relief will mostly depend on the efficiency of the caregivers attending to seniors because most of the time, they are debilitated by the disease.
If you have a parent who is frequently suffering from the pains brought about by arthritis, it is important for you to be armed with the right knowledge and strategies to help them combat the disease. Make it your duty to be helpful to them in the best way possible so they can get immediate relief from the joint pain they are suffering from. These are ways you can try to manage arthritis even better:
Understand the Types of Arthritis
Arthritis comes in two forms: they are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. For osteoarthritis, the sufferers are experiencing pain because of the friction caused by the disintegration of the cartilage that is found in between the joints. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is a result of swelling in the joints. With the difference in causative factor, the fact still remains that it results in severe, debilitating pain to the elderly. That’s why they need the right Companion to get through this challenge.
Know Their Medications
The best method to address the debilitating effects of arthritis is through medication. When you care for your loved one, it is imperative that you will constantly remind them to take their needed medication so that you will help prevent the exacerbation of the disease. See to it that they take the meds as what is prescribed by the physician. Missing a dose or not taking the right dose will predispose them to episodes of severe joint pain.
Involve Them in Exercise
Exercise is the best way for the elderly to strengthen the muscles around their joints with arthritis. When the muscles are strengthened, they will experience an alleviation of pain. It is best to consult a physician specializing in the disease condition and partner with a therapist to know the best exercise plans that are suited uniquely to the needs of your loved ones. The important factor in terms of performing exercise is to limit joint movements and perform fluid movements instead because it puts less pressure on their joints.
Check the Diet
Diet needs to be modified for those who are suffering from arthritis. Watching the weight of the elderly will allow them to be in the right shape because an excess weight will severely exacerbate the pressure on the joints when moved and thus cause extreme pain. Assist them in maintaining a healthy diet by serving meals that are more on fruits and vegetables.
Make Environment Comfortable
Due to the pain when moving, it is essential that you will make all things accessible for your loved ones. See to it that their needed things are within easy reach so they’ll never have to exert so much effort for it. Accessibility will really be a defining factor in the care rendered to the elderly.
There is no known cure for arthritis. However, the things mentioned above can help your loved ones live a life of comfort and convenience in order that they can make the most of their day. At-HomeCare of CT, LLC, a Home Care in Connecticut, can provide the right assistance needed by your senior parents so you are guaranteed that they’ll live in comfort even with the debilitating disease.