Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that seniors suffer from, and it can have a big impact on a senior’s ability to live independently. If your parent has arthritis, it could be affecting them in ways that you never thought about.
The pain and stiffness caused by arthritis can make everyday tasks difficult and painful for seniors who are living alone. Even if your parent wants to live on their own, they could be struggling with activities of daily living because of the pain caused by arthritis.
And your parent may not want to tell you if they are having trouble with basic tasks because they are worried that that they will lose their independence if they ask for help.
Help is Available
But seniors with arthritis can continue to live independently and be quite happy and safe at home, with just some extra help. Home care is the perfect solution if your parent has arthritis and needs assistance with daily tasks around the house. If your parent has home care, they will be able to enjoy a good quality of life in their own home without struggling.
You might be surprised by how many tasks become challenging for seniors who have arthritis. Some of the most common tasks that seniors with arthritis struggle with are:
Cleaning the House
Cleaning is one of the hardest tasks for seniors with arthritis. Activities like vacuuming, mopping, and scrubbing require pushing, pulling, and bending. These movements can hurt the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands. Gripping a mop handle or squeezing a sponge can be painful for fingers and wrists. Even light cleaning can leave seniors feeling sore and tired for hours afterward. As a result, cleaning may be done less often or avoided altogether.
Cooking and Food Preparation
Cooking involves many small hand movements that are tough on stiff joints. Chopping vegetables, opening jars, stirring pots, and lifting pans can all cause pain. Arthritis in the hands makes it hard to grip knives or peelers. Standing for long periods can also hurt the knees and lower back. Because of this, some seniors choose simple meals or skip cooking altogether, which can lead to poor nutrition.
Doing Laundry
Laundry may seem simple, but it includes several painful steps for someone with arthritis. Carrying heavy laundry baskets can strain sore joints. Bending down to load or unload a washer can hurt the knees and hips. Folding clothes requires repeated hand and finger movements, which can cause stiffness and swelling. Reaching into dryers or stretching to hang clothes can also be uncomfortable and risky.
Making the Bed
Making the bed can be surprisingly hard for seniors with arthritis. Pulling sheets tight, lifting mattress corners, and tucking in blankets all require strength and flexibility.
These actions can strain the shoulders, wrists, and back. Bending and twisting around the bed may also cause balance problems. Because of this, some seniors leave beds unmade or struggle through the task with pain.
Taking Out the Trash
Taking out the trash often involves lifting, gripping, and walking, which can be difficult with arthritis. Tying trash bags hurts stiff fingers, and lifting heavy bags can strain the back and knees. Carrying the bag outside and walking on uneven ground can increase the risk of falls. In cold weather, joint pain can become even worse, making this task especially challenging.
Rolling the trash and recycling barrels to the curb when they are full can also be painful and dangerous for seniors, especially in wet or snowy weather. With home care, your parent won’t have to try and keep up with household tasks that are difficult for them to do.
If you or an aging loved one with arthritis are considering Home Care in Springfield, VA, please contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc today! Call (703) 765-9350
Access Home Care provider in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Lorton, Springfield, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding communities.
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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