Living With Arthritis: How To Boost A Senior’s Quality Of Life

Vancouver Senior Health  |  June 14, 2019

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Living With Arthritis

Living With Arthritis | Arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting the joints and connective tissue and it is quite common in our golden years. As one in every five older adults suffers from arthritis, it is important to educate seniors and their caregivers on how to recognize the symptoms and manage the condition.

This article aims to provide you with basic, useful information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of arthritis.

Living With Arthritis: Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint redness
• Swelling and pain
• Stiffness
• Difficulty with movement

If your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure they visit their physician as soon as possible.

Living With Arthritis: The Diagnosis

Medical professionals will conduct a physical exam, look into medical history and genetic information, and run further tests if needed to diagnose arthritis and determine the type of the condition.

Once the diagnosis is set, the treatment plan is developed according to the type and severity of the condition. Sadly, arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be successfully managed to lessen the symptoms and limit the impact it might have on your loved one’s quality of life.

Living With and Managing Arthritis

When it comes to living with arthritis, as you probably know, recommended management strategies require a change of lifestyle routines. Incorporating new habits, daily activities, and physical activity can significantly benefit those with the condition.

Lifestyle changes – It is very important to know what you can and cannot do when you have arthritis and adjust your routines accordingly. While some activities should be avoided altogether, others just need to be performed differently. For example, sitting on a kitchen stool while cooking instead of standing can help those who have difficulty standing for too long.

Movement – Working or sitting for too long in the same position can contribute to increased pain and stiffness and gradually worsen the condition. Your loved one can avoid this risk by creating a habit of moving, walking, and stretching every 15-20 minutes.

Weight – Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of well-balanced diet and a light exercise regimen can have a far-reaching effect on managing the symptoms of arthritis. Make sure to contact your loved one’s physician and learn more about diet and exercise recommendations.

Comfort Keepers® is the Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC

Comfort Keepers® is the preferred choice for many families when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Respite Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance Right Where You Live.

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond please call (604) 689-8609. 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been 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. 

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