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Arthritis is a common problem for many older people. It makes their joints hurt and can make it hard for them to move around. There are different kinds of arthritis, but the most common types that affect elderly folks are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis your loved one has helps in figuring out the best way to help them.
When someone has arthritis, it’s not just the pain that’s a problem. This pain can stop them from doing things they enjoy, making them feel sad or frustrated. As caregivers, it's important for us to learn all we can about arthritis. This way, we can help our loved ones feel better and keep doing the things they love.
Exercise is really important for people with arthritis. It might seem strange because moving can hurt. But doing the right kind of gentle exercises can actually make their joints feel better. Activities like walking, swimming, or tai chi are perfect because they're easy on the joints. Plus, they can be fun!
Creating a daily exercise plan can help a lot. Start with simple activities and do them at the best time of day when your loved one feels good. It’s okay to start slow and add more as they get comfortable. The key is to keep moving little by little every day. This helps keep their joints working and can reduce pain over time.
You don't have to be a doctor to help your loved one with some basic physical therapy tricks. Simple things like helping them stretch or doing gentle exercises together can make a big difference. These activities help keep their muscles strong and their joints flexible, which can lessen the pain.
Sometimes, using heat like a warm towel or a cold pack like a bag of frozen peas can help with arthritis pain. Heat can loosen up a stiff joint, and cold can reduce swelling and pain. Be careful though as the skin thins with age and is more at risk of injury. Remember to always put a cloth between the skin and the hot or cold pack and only use it for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Small changes in the house can make a big difference for someone with arthritis. For example, using tools with big handles can make it easier for them to hold things without hurting their joints. Eating healthy foods can also help. Sugar and highly processed food and meat can make arthritis worse. Other foods, like fruits and vegetables, can reduce inflammation and pain.
Keeping a healthy weight is also important because extra weight can put more pressure on the joints. Encouraging your loved one to eat healthy foods and stay active can help them manage their weight and feel better. It's all about making good choices every day to help ease the pain and keep them moving.
If arthritis pain gets too tough to handle at home, and prevents your loved one from doing their usual activities, it might be time to see a doctor. Sometimes medicine can help with arthritis pain. But, these medicines can also have side effects, so it’s important to talk to the doctor about what’s best.
Doctors can also do other treatments for arthritis. For example, they might suggest shots that go right into the joint or even talk about surgery when there are no other options. It’s important to know all the options and decide together what’s the best plan for your loved one.
Living with arthritis pain isn’t easy. It can make people feel sad or alone, especially if they can’t do things they used to enjoy. That’s why being there for them, not just for physical help but for emotional support, is so important. Encouraging them to talk about their feelings and to stay connected with friends can make a big difference in how they feel.
Helping them find new hobbies that are easier on their joints can also help. Maybe they can’t golf or run anymore, but they might enjoy painting, gardening with special tools, or even playing games with friends. Finding joy in new activities can help them feel better and more connected to the world around them.
Taking care of someone with arthritis means looking at everything—how they move, what they eat, and how they feel inside. It’s about making small changes that can add up to a big difference in their pain and their happiness. As caregivers, our job is to help them find the right balance of activity, nutrition, and support so they can enjoy their golden years as much as possible.
It’s about nurturing their well-being, step by step, with patience and understanding. Let's empower our seniors to live their best lives, filled with the activities and people they love.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe at home and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>