No matter what age someone is when they develop arthritis, it can be extremely painful and debilitating. If your elderly loved one has this condition, you may want to consider asking them if they need 24-hour home care assistance. They may benefit from this type of care as the providers can help with various household chores, personal tasks, and much more.

In the meantime, it may be a good idea for you as a family caregiver, to learn more about arthritis.

Signs of Arthritis

If your elderly loved one has arthritis, it is likely they are going to experience at least one or more of the symptoms noted here today. Some of these symptoms include:

• Joint swelling and/or stiffness
• Tenderness and/or pain when pressure is applied to joints
• Trouble moving joints
• Warmth or redness around the joints
• Stiff upon waking up or after sitting still for some time

If your elderly loved one is dealing with any of these symptoms, it would be beneficial to have them see a doctor. They may need treatments to help manage this condition. If you can’t drive your elderly loved one to their doctor, an elderly care provider can do it.

Different Types of Arthritis

As a family caregiver for an elderly loved one, it would also be a good idea to learn about the different types of arthritis. Knowing more about these types of arthritis can help you to determine what might be going on for your elderly loved one. No matter what, though, you shouldn’t try to self-diagnose. You or a 24-hour home care provider should take your elderly loved one to their doctor for a proper assessment.

The different types of arthritis include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• General arthritis

There are some other types of arthritis, as well. If your elderly loved one does receive an arthritis diagnosis, they may benefit from receiving regular support and care.

Options for Treatment and Support with Arthritis

If your elderly loved one does have arthritis, there may be various treatments or recommendations they get from their doctor. Some of these might include:

• Daily exercise
• Eating nutritional food daily
• Taking medications
• Applying cold or heat to the joints
• Receiving regular support from home care providers or family caregivers

Once your elderly loved one’s doctor gives them a treatment plan, you or the 24-hour home care providers can encourage them to follow that plan.

Conclusion

These are some of the things that you may need to know about arthritis in the elderly. Now that you are equipped with this information, you can better get an idea of what is happening with your elderly loved one and what to do if they do receive an arthritis diagnosis.

Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/arthritis.htm

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Lafayette, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

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