Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that frequently occurs in the hips, knees, and hands. This happens when the cartilage within a joint begins to break down, and in some cases, all the cartilage wears away leaving the bones to rub against each other. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. These changes in the cartilage develop slowly, worsen over time, and cause disability or reduced function. It is the most common form of arthritis among older people, getting the nickname “wear and tear” arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects over 32.5 million US adults, common in men ages 45 and up. In a research conducted by the CDC, an estimated 78 million US adults aged 18 years orolder are projected to have arthritis by 2040.
Symptoms
Joint Pain and Stiffness - Because osteoarthritis affects the joints, joint pain is it’smost common symptom. This pain or stiffness is experienced whena person sits for some time,or sleeps. It can also be caused by repetitive or frequent use of a joint.
Swelling - Joints that bear weight over extended periods can start swelling due to osteoarthritis. People with severe osteoarthritis may experience an increase in the synovial fluid within their joints. Synovial fluid normally helps lubricate the joints and reduces friction during movement but when there’s an excessive amount, it can cause swelling.
Limited Range of Motion - Joints allow our bodies to move in various ways, giving us a huge range of movement but osteoarthritis can cause it to decrease. The cartilage wears out and allows friction to happen in the joints and as a result, moving becomes painful.
Bone Spurs - Bone spurs occur due to osteoarthritis wearing out the joint’s cartilage. The body responds by growing an extra bone at the borders of the joint surface. In some cases, bone spurs can press on nerves and cause pain, weakness, and loss of movement.
These symptoms and effects of osteoarthritis can decrease the quality of life of the people affected, especially the elderly that live alone. Simple tasks can slowly turn into a challenge and as time passes, they can end up becoming disabled.
What Can You Do?
It’s impossible toensure that you’ll take care of your elderly loved one all of the time, especially when you may have a career, kids of your own, and other parts of your own life to live. In-home senior care alleviates some of the stress for you while making sure that your loved one is safe and well taken care of.
You can benefit from in-home senior care that allows you to take a little break while having the peace of mind in knowing that your loved one is in good hands.
Ensuring Safety
Seniors deal with age-related decline which can lead to accidents such as tripping on hazards and falling, slipping on wet surfaces, fire-related accidents, etc. These accidents can be avoided if they have someone by their side to make their environment safe and comfortable. A home health aide can make sure that the hazards that can lead to accidents will be taken care of.
Routine Housekeeping
Due to osteoarthritis decreasing mobility and movement, seniors suffering from this disease can no longer consistently take care of their homes. Caregivers can assist them in doing everyday tasks like sweeping or vacuuming the floor, picking up and putting away items, and disinfecting areas around the house.
Assistance with Errands
An in-home health aide can assist them with errands as well. From setting up medical appointments (doctor and dental visits), and transportation to grocery shopping, etc. Osteoarthritis can cause a lot of pain when moving, but with assistance, seniors can still accomplish daily tasks.
Companionship
Having trouble moving around can easily turn into social isolation. Some seniors can no longer get out to socialize and meet people because of osteoarthritis. Loneliness can negatively affect people’s mental health, affecting their physical health as well. In-home senior care will not only provide support and assistance but companionship as well because of its one-on-one care. Senior caregivers will prioritize the safety and comfort of their senior clients.
Considering In-Home Senior Care?
A disease shouldn’t lessen your elderly loved one’s quality of life. They should be able to live their retirement years full of joy, freedom, and independence. With an in-home senior care provider, they can be given the right support when it’s needed most. Choose what’s best for yourself and your loved ones because, with the right choice, you can greatly impact their lives for the better.
Unified Pledge is a leading provider of in-home senior care solutions in Palm Beach County and Broward County. We offer free, no-obligation in-home consultations, cost estimates, and insurance policy benefit reviews
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We also provide other types of home care services such as in-home nurse care, long-term care, and physical therapy.
Give us a call so we can help you create a custom home care solution for yourself or your loved one.