Caregivers Help Seniors With Arthritis
Posted By admin on January 29, 2012
One disease that is extremely frustrating and can cause extreme weakness and fatigue is arthritis. Fortunately, a quality home health care provider can help make it easier for seniors to cope with. The website www.retireathomeedmonton.com in Edmonton Alberta can provide a home care companion that can assist with some of the activities of daily living, such as medication management, exercising and preparing healthy meals.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that occurs when the fluid in the joints becomes inflamed. Stiffness, pain and swelling in the joints are the symptoms that are most commonly associated with this condition. The cartilage in the joints starts to deteriorate as a person ages, and that’s why arthritis is really so common among seniors. Actually, research indicates that over half of people over the age of 65 have some sort of arthritis. Long-term chronic pain and disability are complications that can result if arthritis is left untreated.
What Challenges Does Arthritis Create for a Senior Who is Living Alone?
Arthritis is very frustrating to deal with, however it can be even more difficult for a senior who lives alone to cope with. This condition causes stiffness, which often can affect a persons mobility. Seniors with arthritis may have trouble completing a few of the activities of everyday living. They may also have trouble obtaining the items that they need simply because they discover it is too painful to walk or drive.
How Can a Home Health Care Worker Benefit Someone Who has Arthritis?
People who have a relative with arthritis should think about working with a home health care worker. Below are a few of the ways that a senior care professional can help someone who is struggling with arthritis:
* A home health care worker can assist with some of the activities of day to day living.
Seniors who have a home health care aide do not need to be worried about cooking, shopping, cleaning and other household activities simply because they have a professional to perform those tasks for them. Additionally, a home care aide can also help a senior with activities such as bathing, dressing and grooming.
* A home health care worker can certainly help prepare nutritious meals.
Researchers have found that eating a diet that is filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds can help reduce some of the arthritis symptoms. A home health care provider can help prepare nutritious meals for a senior.
* A home health care provider can certainly help the senior exercise.
Studies have shown that regular, low-impact exercise can also alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis. A home health care worker can help a person safely exercise.
* A home health care worker can help with medication management.
Most patients with arthritis are prescribed medication by their doctors. Many seniors have trouble remembering when to take their medication. A home health care worker can certainly help a patient remember to take his medication.