Seniors and Arthritis: Living with the Disease

Health  |  February 8, 2021

What Every Senior in Winnipeg, MB Needs to Know if They Live with Arthritis

What do you need to know about seniors and arthritis? For those who live with arthritis every day, the symptoms can be a barrier to doing the hobbies they love. But with management strategies and lifestyle changes, many seniors find that they can continue the activities that bring them hope, purpose and joy.

Seniors and Arthritis Facts

#DYK – One in five adults suffers with arthritis. The majority of this group are seniors citizens.

For seniors to understand the stages of living with arthritis, it’s helpful to talk about how the disease is identified, diagnosed and managed.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis:

Generally, symptoms of arthritis can include any of the following:

• Joint redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Warmth, or difficulty with movement

Many people are familiar with arthritis of the hands and feet, but they don’t always realize that it can affect any joint in the body. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should visit their physician.

Seniors and Arthritis: The Diagnosis

When diagnosing arthritis, medical professionals will typically conduct a physical exam, and gather medical history and genetic information to help identify the type of arthritis. Blood tests and imaging may be necessary as well. While arthritis cannot be cured, it can be managed to limit the impact it has on seniors.

Seniors and Arthritis: Management Strategies

A physician can recommend arthritis management strategies and approve all plans to change or increase physical activity.

#1. Lifestyle changes:

Seniors with arthritis may need to stop performing certain activities or limit them. Depending on the area of the body affected, some hobbies may become more difficult. However, planning can be helpful – for example, having a stool to sit on in the kitchen can help seniors who want to cook but have difficulty standing for long periods due to arthritis pain. 

#2. Movement:

For some types of arthritis, sitting or working in one position for too long can cause the condition to worsen. Moving, walking and stretching every 15 minutes can be helpful. For some, setting an alarm as a reminder to prompt movement can be helpful. A doctor should be consulted before seniors begin any exercise regimen.

#3. Weight:

Maintaining a healthy weight can help manage arthritis. Excess weight can cause strain on joints, worsening the condition. Anyone concerned about this should consult their physician for exercise and diet recommendations. 

Education and awareness are critical – seniors who may have arthritis, or have already been diagnosed, should engage their care team to develop management strategies.

Comfort Keepers® Can Help

A care plan for arthritis can minimize the impact of the disease on a senior’s life, and Comfort Keepers can provide support for a management program. Our caregivers remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. 

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg Offers a Wide Range of Private Home Senior Care Services

For families concerned about the health and well-being of aging loved ones, we can help with homecare services including, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, in-home personal care, respite care, specialized care, in-home nursing, end-of-life care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® professional caregivers provide services to ensure safety, health, and happiness without the stress of moving to an assisted living or rehabilitation facility. Individually tailored care plans account for living arrangements, medical issues, physical restrictions, personalities, expectations, and more.

Our Interactive Caregiving™ Approach Enables Top-Notch Homecare

The Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Our compassionate caregivers can provide a personalized home care plan for your loved one, allowing them to enjoy a healthier, safer, and more meaningful retirement at home. 

Comfort Keepers® is the Most Trusted Name in Senior Care in Winnipeg

Our in-home caregivers ensure our seniors are physically, socially, and mentally engaged. In addition, we provide options, activities, events, and resources for seniors that might otherwise not be available.

Locally Owned and Operated In-Home Personal Care for Seniors

Our caregivers live and work in the Winnipeg area. We know the area and how to assist our clients using local resources. Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. If you live in Winnipeg and require homecare services for senior personal care and wellbeing, contact Comfort Keepers® at (204)-488-4600. 

Accredited Home Care for Seniors in Winnipeg

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada.

References

Arthritis Foundation. “Understanding Arthritis.” Web.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “5 Proven Ways to Manage Arthritis.” Web. 2019.

Quest Diagnostics. “Helping you focus on patients with arthritis” Web.

Everyday Health. “May is Arthritis Awareness Month – Mark it with the ABCs.” Web. 2018.

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