The people most likely to develop arthritis have several risk factors in common. Seniors have a high rate of arthritis due to age and a lifetime of wear and tear on the joints. Obese seniors are also more likely to develop the disease, especially osteoarthritis, because of the additional stress on the joints. Even if seniors have been slim for most of their life but gain weight in their later years can increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Genetics also play a big part in the body’s development of arthritis and how fast the condition progresses. Injury, overuse and natural bone abnormalities can also lead to arthritis in seniors.
Ranging from mild to severe the symptoms of arthritis include swelling and stiffness in the joints, warmth, and redness at the joint, and varying degrees of pain. While there is no cure for arthritis, elderly adults that make regular doctor visits for treatment can manage it properly and improve their quality of life.
Hiring a senior care provider relieves some of the stress from an elderly person as the senior care provider can do things around the house and help with self-care.
Arthritis can prevent seniors from doing the most basic tasks like bathing, dressing, cleaning the house, preparing meals and driving to appointments. A senior care provider can do all that, plus provide companionship.
Medication is the first step in taking care of an elderly person’s arthritis. The doctor can prescribe something to help with spelling and pain. Many seniors benefit from physical therapy and occupational therapy as well. Senior care providers can drive them to their appointments so they can receive proper treatments.
The best way to manage arthritis is to make lifestyle modifications, and family caregivers and senior care providers can help. Obesity aggravates arthritis so it’s important to maintain proper weight through diet and exercise. Massages have been shown to relax muscles and increase circulation in affected areas as well. Warm weather and heat applications often make arthritis feel better. In extreme cases, surgery may help with arthritis, too.
Just because an elderly person is diagnosed with arthritis doesn’t mean their life is suddenly put on hold. With the help of their support group that includes senior care providers, they can have a quality of life that is fulfilling, fun and also happens to include arthritis.
Co-Owner, First Choice Senior Care
Kayla Stephens is the co-owner of First Choice Senior Care. She grew up in Northeast Arkansas, and has worked in rehabilitation, hospice care, managed nursing homes and a large home care agency. She has received several awards for sales and quality achievements in hospice and long-term care.
Kayla believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them. Reflecting on the need for an independent home care provider interested in quality over quantity, she chased her dream of building her own company that would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors, providing a much-needed service in her own local community.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University, is licensed by the state of Arkansas as a Long-Term Care Administrator, and is a Certified Senior Adviser.
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