6 Suggestions for Seniors with Arthritis

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6 Tips for Living with Arthritis in Edmonton, AB

Arthritis impacts many seniors each year due to decreased bone health, inactivity, and aging. The good news is there are several lifestyle changes older adults can make to alleviate the symptoms associated with this disease. . Professionals of home care, Edmonton  families trust, share some tips seniors can use to manage arthritis.


1. Get Exposure to the Sun

Too much sun exposure can be bad for seniors, but the right amount of sunlight can increase their bone density. Older adults can receive vitamin D from the sun by working in the garden, going for walks, or sitting on the porch. Your loved one doesn’t have to be outdoors to receive the exposure he or she needs. Instead of going outdoors, your loved one can also open the blinds during the day, allowing the sun to come in. Vitamin D can help your loved one’s bones absorb calcium, which leads to better bone health.

Arthritis is a serious medical condition that can affect your loved one’s health and overall quality of life. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, an Edmonton elder care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. 

2. Eat Healthy 

By maintaining a healthy body weight, seniors can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with arthritis. Eating well-balanced meals full of nutrients and minerals is one way to stay in good physical shape. The foods seniors eat, especially those that are high in fiber, can boost bone health. Consuming plenty of fiber, protein, vitamins B and D, and other nutrients can reduce the amount of joint and muscle pain your loved one experiences. 

3. Exercise 

A regular routine consisting of moderate exercise can boost your loved one’s overall health and reduce arthritis symptoms. Some of the best exercises for seniors living with arthritis include yoga, walking, and water aerobics. These low-impact exercises do not put too much tension on the joints, making it easier for seniors to stay active and physically fit. Exercising can also build muscle strength, take stress off of the joints, and reduce stiffness. 

4. Utilize Home Care 

Completing daily tasks can be challenging for seniors living with arthritis, and they may have difficulty bathing, dressing, moving around the home, and doing household chores. Trying to complete these tasks might make joint pain worse. However, having someone inside of the home to provide assistance could relieve the pain and make aging in place easier. If you are unable to provide home care for your loved one, consider hiring a professional caregiver on an as-needed basis. 

Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Edmonton respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

5. Stay Warm 

Maintaining warm temperatures in the home and using heating devices are good ways for older adults to reduce arthritis symptoms, especially during the cooler months. Your loved one will also need to wear warm clothing when going outdoors during the winter months. Encourage your loved one to take warm baths to ease joint pain and tense muscles. 

6. Add Safety Features to the Home 

Arthritis can cause balance and flexibility issues, making it difficult for seniors to move around the home. Older adults living with arthritis are more susceptible to slips and falls. A minor mishap could cause serious pain in the joints, and a major accident could lead to broken bones and fractures. Make sure your loved one’s home has adequate lighting installed. You should also remove clutter from the hallways, install grab bars, and encourage your loved one to wear safety shoes and nonslip socks.

Seniors often need help making healthy lifestyle choices that can lower their risk of developing serious health issues. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Families can rely on Home Care Assistance Edmonton to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To schedule a free in-home consultation, call us at (780) 490-7337 today.

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