Has an elderly family member ever flinched when reaching for an item on a shelf? Do their joints seem to hurt or swell, making it hard for them to get around or enjoy regular activities? If so, your elderly family member may be one of the estimated 30 million Americans in elderly homes in Tarrant Country, TX who deal with arthritis.
Elderly persons with arthritis might benefit greatly from having a caregiver who can assist with team coordination, home improvements, and a renewed emphasis on health and wellness. Before we get into the details, it’s important to understand the disease itself.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a catchall word for any condition that causes discomfort in the joints. Arthritis can cause severe pain, swelling, and limited mobility, especially in the joints of the hips, knees, back, and hands. As a result of the pain and discomfort that arthritis can cause, it can have a domino impact on an elderly person’s mental health and relationships, among other things. Here are 3 ways that elderly homes in Tarrant Country, TX can help elderly loved ones live comfortably, independently, and safely in their own homes while dealing with arthritis
Help Residents Eat Healthily
The old adage goes, “You are what you eat,” and for adults with arthritis, just a few simple small changes to their diet can have a significant impact on their condition. One of the first things a doctor would probably bring up with your elderly loved one is their diet. The symptoms of arthritis can be reduced in many people by adopting a healthy diet and avoiding particular foods. However, keeping a healthy weight is also strongly recommended by doctors, as this might make it simpler for seniors to move around and reduce the strain on their joints. As a result, your loved one with Arthritis can benefit from the nutritious diet provided by elderly homes in Tarrant County, TX.
Assist Elderly to Stay Active
Active aging can be especially helpful for elders living with arthritis, as can changes to the diet. Moving, stretching, and strengthening muscles with a focus on low-impact activities can help elders manage the pain and stiffness of arthritis in their joints. Please consult your physician or physical therapist before beginning any new workout program. At our Personal Care community, we recommend that elders and their carers explore options for physical activity that is gentler on the joints, such as walking, yoga or tai chi, gentle stretching, bicycling, or swimming or water workouts.
Helps in Socializing
As a result of the physical discomfort, arthritis might bring, arthritis can be a major hardship for many elderly people. Many elderly people with arthritis face social isolation, despair, and anxiety as a result of their condition. They feel trapped by their physical condition, and their response may be rage or hopelessness. In sum, an elderly person’s mood and social interactions might be negatively affected by their experience of chronic pain and mobility restrictions. An elderly home caregiver can help find your elderly relative to interact with others whenever they can. Thus, it’s important to keep communication lines open and to be on the lookout for any signs of change or caution, as your aging loved one may not feel comfortable disclosing this information to you directly.
