Arthritis is so common, especially in the elderly, that it’s very likely you know someone who suffers from it. It is the number one cause of disability, and more than 60 million American adults suffer from it. Arthritis can occur for several health reasons, but it always affects the joints, causing an inability to move well without causing pain or discomfort. The pain can be mild and managed, or it can be completely debilitating. Personal care at home providers can assist a loved one with their hygiene when they suffer from this condition.
While arthritis can be linked to more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, as well as the tissues surrounding them, four common types of arthritis affect the majority of the elderly population.
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, develops when the wear and tear or damage of joint cartilage between bones becomes severe. It is most commonly felt in a person’s hands, hips, and knees. In addition to creating pain and discomfort, it often leads to a decreased range of motion and flexibility, making some tasks nearly impossible without support.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that leads to inflamed joints. It often affects larger joints like knees and shoulders, but can also affect the fingers, toes, back, or pelvis. In addition to arthritic pain, it is accompanied by inflamed patches of scaly skin.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The most common form of autoimmune arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, is often the most debilitating as well. It causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement of the joints. Small joints in the hands and feet are commonly affected, but it can also affect other organs, like the skin and eyes.
Gout
One of the most manageable and preventable types of arthritis, gout is a kind of inflammatory arthritis that causes swelling and pain in the joints, especially the big toes and lower limbs. It comes and goes in flare-ups that can make it nearly impossible for a person to walk, but with proper preventative care, the flare-ups can be greatly reduced in occurrence and severity.
Finding Support for Your Loved One With Arthritis
Since arthritis cannot be cured and often progresses over the years, if your loved one has arthritis, she may need help managing her home and her care as she ages and the condition worsens. Luckily, arthritis usually doesn’t mean she needs to lose all of her independence; she may just need some extra help with certain daily living tasks.
Some tasks will be able to be made more comfortable by using assistive devices that take the pressure off the affected joints. Items can include devices that help to open cans or jars, those that help with getting dressed, like using a zipper or buttoning a shirt, and those that help with household chores.
Your loved one can also find great support in having a personal care at home provider step in and assist her with areas of her hygiene care that she may struggle to perform due to her arthritis. A personal care at home provider can help her take care of her nails, brush out her hair, or even get in and out of the shower. If your loved one struggles to create meals like she used to, a personal care at home provider can also assist in meal preparation. With a personal care at home provider, your loved one will have the support she needs to remain independent.
Source: https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/6-common-types-of-arthritis-and-related-conditions-symptoms-causes-and-risk-factors/2024/04
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Boston, MA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc. today at (508) 906-5572
CARE Resolutions, Inc. provides quality 24-Hour Home Care for seniors and families in Walpole, Dover, Wellesley, Framingham, Norfolk, Quincy, Weston, Medfield, Boston, Sherborn, MA, and surrounding areas.
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