Did you know arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the US? There are many different types of this disease but discomfort and pain are present in all.
Support from family and friends goes a long way when you are affected by the condition. And since May is Arthritis Awareness Month, we bring you some tips on how to care for a person struggling with arthritis.
Understand What They’re Going Through
It will be easier for you to help them and you will be able to provide better help if you know what they are going through. Read up on the condition online and get all the information you can find.
But, also don’t assume you know how it feels because you’ve read a bunch of internet articles. Ask them and be a good listener. Show them you care and you want to know how they feel. It will be easier for them to open up and easier for you to know how to help them.
Keep the Communication Going
Communication is key and, like we said, so make sure you give them undivided attention. That’s important not just for understanding their condition, but also because communication can be a form of assistance, too. Make sure they know you are there when they need to talk.
Sometimes, they’ll just want to vent. Other times, speaking about other things will help. So, don’t make it all about the condition. Talk about anything that they or you feel like talking about. It will strengthen your relationship and strong relationships with family and friends are key to seniors’ overall health.
Help With Medication and Assistive Devices
Managing arthritis usually means managing all sorts of medications. Maybe your senior loved one has trouble taking medication or keeping the right dosages. If they do, help them out with that. Monitor how they react to medicine as well. They might react badly to it and need a replacement.
If they are advised to use canes or walkers, help them figure out how they work. Sometimes, seniors have trouble operating these walkers at first, so be of assistance. And be patient with them. If they are your parents, they were patient with you, too, when you were learning how to walk!
Encourage and Join Them in Exercises
Those struggling with arthritis are always encouraged to exercise according to their ability. That’s because exercising has proven to be very beneficial. It helps keep and improve functional mobility and movement keeps the joints lubricated and stimulates the muscles.
Many seniors are reluctant to start exercising, especially if working out was never a part of their routine. So, encourage them! Consult with their doctor on what kind of exercises they recommend and support your senior. Joining them in exercises is another great idea – they’ll be more likely to do them and you’ll spend some quality time together!
Make Sure They Sleep Well
Getting a good night’s sleep can help a lot in managing arthritis and the pain associated with it. But, also that same pain can prevent a person from sleeping. And a lack of sleep will only make the joint pain worse. And there lies the vicious cycle.
Do whatever you can to stress the importance of good sleep to your senior. Also, do whatever you can to make sure they can get that sleep. A good mattress and pillows make a lot of difference. Placing heating pads on joints before sleep is also helpful as well as exercising throughout the day.
Ask What You Can Do
Oftentimes, the best way to help anyone is just to make sure they know you’re there and ask what they want. Maybe all they need sometimes is for someone to go grab something from the store for them because their joints hurt. Show them you’re there and they’ll tell you what they need.
Also, it’s important to know when to help and when to stand back. Don’t be too overprotective as most people with arthritis want to retain their independence as well. Find a good balance and allow them to be independent but make yourself available when they need you.
You Can Always Count on Us for Help
If you need some help helping your loved senior one, you will find it in us. Our friendly caregivers have all it takes to provide your senior with exceptional care. And you with a much-needed break. Head to our services to check out the ways we can help or contact us if you have any questions.
