Living With Arthritis: A Guide for Seniors

Edmonton Senior Health  |  March 23, 2020

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Living With Arthritis

Do you know a senior living with arthritis? Arthritis is a general term to describe any of the 100+ conditions and illnesses affecting the joints. One in five adults live with arthritis and most of them are seniors.

A senior’s independence and ability to perform tasks can be jeopardized by arthritis.  Seniors may be challenged by simple routines, not to mention, more complex activities. However, arthritis can be controlled with management strategies that allow the patient to lead a normal, happy life.

Living With Arthritis: What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

The most common signs of arthritis include joint redness, swelling, warmth, stiffness, and pain. These symptoms are often accompanied by difficulty with movement. Most people know that arthritis affects the hands and feet, but it can develop in any joint in the body. 

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Many conditions fall under arthritis so, it is imperative to diagnose the exact illness. Doctors will perform physical exams, examine medical histories, and order blood tests and imaging. To date, there is no known cure for arthritis, so symptoms must be managed. 

How Is Arthritis Managed?

Arthritis can be managed through physician-recommended strategies that decrease pain and increase physical activity and lifestyle changes. With a physician’s advice, seniors may need to stop or limit some activities, engage in exercise regimes, and complete therapies. 

What Makes Arthritis Worse?

#1. Sitting and Lack of Movement:

Sitting or working in the same position for prolonged periods worsens arthritis. Seniors may need frequent breaks to move and stretch. Before making any changes to physical activity levels, it is vital to consult with a professional.

#2. Excess Weight:

As excess weight strains the joints, older adults with arthritis may need to alter their diet and lose some weight.

#3. Lack of Condition Knowledge:

Finally, older adults and caregivers must educate themselves on arthritis and build an adequate strategy for managing the condition.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a wider range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like, Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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