Aurora Home Care in Feasterville, PA takes great pride in helping families with their loved one’s personal needs. Arthritis is one problem we see time and again. Did you know that one in four adults has arthritis? Our staff’s goal is to always keep a person’s dignity in mind while finding ways for them to maintain a high quality of life, even with the limitations their arthritis imposes.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis affects a person’s joints. The inflammation creates soreness and swelling. Over time, Arthritis begins breaking down cartilage, which protects bones.
There are certain areas where Arthritis seems to settle the most:
- Fingers
- Hips
- Knees
- Wrists
Nonetheless, a diagnosis of arthritis can occur wherever a joint and mone meets.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis don’t just appear overnight. The stiffness or aches start gradually, and you might not even think much about them until matters get worse. You may experience:
- Pain when standing, bending
- Redness around a joint
- Sensations of grinding or crunching when you move the joint
- Swollen Joint
- Tenderness of joints
Being body aware is important. If you are taking care of someone else or have a home health aid service like those offered by Aurora’s in Feasterville, PA, you can take notice of little changes. Declining functionality is a leading factor for the elderly in terms of falls.
Safety Precautions for Arthritic Seniors
There are ways to minimize the risks that arthritis poses. Here are just a few:
- Make sure regularly-used items are kept at a comfortable place for reaching and lifting. Over-extension puts you out of balance.
- Monitor medication to ensure it’s taken on time for pain and swelling relief.
- If the Arthritis is in the early stages, exercise can help maintain joint health.
- Consider adding Vitamin D into the diet as a supplement for cartilage.
- Intelligent footwear. No crazy high shoes, and look for non-slip soles.
Creating Safe Spaces
Besides where you place frequently used items, there are other ways of bringing greater safety into the home for your Senior with arthritis:
- Remove loose rugs
- Keep walkways clear
- Provide handholds and grab bars
- Use bright lightbulbs, especially where there are shadows like stairwells.
- Switch to smaller, lightweight containers
- Place a chair near the kitchen sink where they can sit when doing dishes
- Tuck away electrical cords
- Have a phone in every room where the senior spends time for emergency
The Bigger Picture
Arthritis doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Your senior may have other issues such as dementia that creates other problems on top of chronic pain and discomfort. You may find yourself considering in-home assistance for peace of mind. Our home health aids in Feasterville, PA, have training for these types of situations and are happy to answer your questions. Send us a note through our online contact form, by telephone at 1-215-354-4444, or email us at info!@aroraathome.com.
You do not have to face your concerns alone. And many insurance plans cover the cost of professional caregiving to some degree.
