What Seniors Need To Know About Arthritis

Victoria Senior Health  |  March 23, 2020

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Arthritis

Seniors and Arthritis | Inflammation of one or more joints, known as arthritis, affects one in five adults worldwide, with the majority of those diagnosed aged 65 or over.

Seniors with arthritis may find it hard to engage in activities of daily living or continue with their hobbies. Still, there are fortunately ways to manage the condition and enjoy life despite the illness.

If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with a condition that affects the joints, they must understand what living with the condition looks like.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

To begin with, the most common signs of arthritis are joint redness, swelling, stiffness, pain, and difficulty with movement. Most people are aware of arthritis of the hands and feet, but it is worth knowing that the condition can affect any joint in the human organism.

When it comes to diagnosing arthritis, doctors first perform physical exams and look into medical history and other relevant information to identify the specific type of arthritis. In many cases, blood tests and imaging are required too.

Managing Arthritis

Once diagnosed, seniors should know that there is no cure for arthritis BUT it can be managed with lifestyle changes and other physician-recommended strategies.

For instance, a doctor can recommend changes to physical activity. Medical professionals can advise patients to stop or limit some activities and increase others.

Other strategies include:

Movement: In some cases, sitting or working in one position for prolonged periods can aggravate symptoms, so moving or at least stretching every 15 or 30 minutes can help. Keep in mind that your loved one must consult with their medical team before introducing any physical activity to their routine.

Weight: Managing arthritis is easier when a healthy weight is maintained. If your loved one is overweight, they should discuss diet and exercise guidelines with their doctor.

Education: Both seniors and their caregivers need to educate themselves to create viable arthritis management strategies.

Having a good care plan for arthritis can alleviate the symptoms of the condition and allow those affected to lead normal, healthy lives. Comfort Keepers can help your loved one in a myriad of ways. 

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services

Comfort Keepers® 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).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

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 Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures are examined by industry experts against a set of 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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