One of the most prevalent diseases affecting older persons is arthritis, which can lead to stiffness, reduced mobility, and persistent pain. Daily activities like walking, dressing, and even handling objects can become difficult for elderly people with arthritis. For skilled assistance, you will obviously find several home care services in Croydon, Kingston Upon Thames, or Bromley. The carers from these services improve the quality of life for older people with arthritis, while medicines and medical therapies only aid in symptom management.
Care agencies offering caregiving services for aged seniors offer specialised in-home help, mobility support, and pain treatment solutions. So that they get to stay independent and comfortable in their homes. But how? Read this blog to know it in detail.
How Elderly Arthritis Patients Benefit from Home Care Services
1. Assistance with Daily Activities
For people with arthritis, simple household activities like dressing, cooking, bathing, and cleaning the house can be difficult to do alone. Here comes the role of carers who can help the seniors with these tasks so they may manage to maintain their independence and dignity despite problems.
• The carers assist with dressing, particularly buttons, zippers, and shoes.
• This includes helping with bathing and grooming to reduce joint strain.
• Most carers also prepare meals that suit dietary requirements and are easy to consume.
• They also handle light household duties on request to reduce physical exertion.
2. Encouraging Gentle Exercise and Movement
Despite the pain and stiffness experienced from arthritis, the carers also ensure the patient’s joint flexibility and general mobility by keeping them active. They make the elders participate in low-impact physical activities that reduce stiffness without any major discomfort. The following are some ways how caregivers offer individualised exercise support:
• They encourage mild stretching to enhance flexibility.
• They assist with low-impact workouts like walking, yoga, or swimming.
• Carers also support physical therapy exercises suggested by healthcare specialists.
• Caregivers make sure patients use mobility aids such as canes, walkers, and braces to improve stability.
3. Pain Management and Comfort Techniques
For elderly people with arthritis, pain management is a major concern. Various non-medical pain treatment techniques are used by care agencies in Croydon, Bromley, and Kingston Upon Thames to improve comfort and lessen joint tension.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Using warm compresses or ice packs to relieve painful joints
• Massage and Gentle Joint Movement: Increasing circulation and decreasing stiffness.
• Positioning Assistance: Adjusting pillows and chairs to provide optimal joint support
• Encourage Relaxation Techniques: Breathing techniques and guided relaxation to relieve muscle tension.
4. Medication Reminders and Health Monitoring
Many elderly people use drugs to control the symptoms of their arthritis. However, it can be challenging to remember to take prescriptions on time, particularly for people who have cognitive impairments. To guarantee appropriate pain management, carers remind patients to take their medications.
They also look for signals of deteriorating symptoms, such as increased swelling or decreased movement, and communicate with family members or healthcare experts if additional medical attention is required.
5. Nutritional Support for Joint Health
Diet is one of the most crucial aspects of symptom control in arthritis. Caregivers prepare meals that are rich in nutrients and can help in improving the state of the joints while minimising inflammation. Following the instructions from the doctor, they prepare meals that have anti-inflammatory ingredients like fish, green vegetables, almonds, and berries in them.
Caregivers remind them to drink enough fluids to keep the joints well lubricated. They not only help with the meal planning by maintaining a balance in the diet; they may also assist in feeding the patient when required.
6. Emotional Support and Companionship
Living with arthritis can be an emotionally draining and stressful experience. So, having assistance around the house always provides added company and emotional support and some physical help as well. The caretakers encourage patients in social activities, hobbies, and meaningful interactions to improve a senior’s mental status. This acts as a distraction and helps curb loneliness and focus on inabilities for a better quality of life.
Also, learn about holiday care services in our other blog here.
Final Thoughts
Arthritis generally restricts movement in the elderly. But it does not have to degrade the quality of life. Professional care agencies assist elders in managing discomfort and pain by keeping them active and letting them live independently in their own homes.
If you have a loved one suffering from arthritis, you can contact Priory Care Services for home care services in Croydon, Kingston Upon Thames, or Bromley. We ensure your family member receives the comfort, help, and companionship they require. With the proper care, elders can continue to live with dignity, confidence, and enhanced well-being.
