Should Your Senior Talk to Their Doctor About Their Arthritis?

 January 25, 2019

Arthritis is an extremely common condition among elderly adults.

Used to describe a range of joint conditions, this word is actually applied to more than 100 forms of the disease. For the vast majority of elderly adults living with it, however, they are living with osteoarthritis.

Diagnosed in approximately 31 million adults throughout the country, this condition is characterized by damage to the cartilage in the joints. Many people have the misconception that joint pain and stiffness are just something that happens when you get older, and you should deal with it.

While some changes that occur with age might lessen their range of motion and make some movement more challenging, your senior should never feel as though they just have to deal with the function-diminishing effects of the disease. This makes encouraging your parent to talk to their doctor an important part of being an effective family caregiver. Talking to their doctor can help your parent get the appropriate diagnosis and be put on the course of treatment and management that is right for them.

 

Some signs your senior should talk to their doctor about arthritis include:

• Pain and swelling in one or more joints
• Stiffness in one or more joints
• Joints that have become red or warm to the touch, especially if this is spreading to the area surrounding the joint
• Difficulty moving
• Difficulty performing basic tasks
• Joint symptoms that last more than three days
• Several episodes of joint symptoms within a month

 

Accompanying your elderly parent to doctor’s appointments is just one of the ways senior care can enhance their life and boost their independence.

Your aging parent shouldn’t always have to rely on you and your schedule when it comes to doing things they need to do in their daily life, such as going to the doctor’s office or running basic errands. With the personalized services of a senior home care services provider, they don’t have to.

This care provider can offer safe and reliable transportation as well as physical support so your parent can get to their appointment and navigate the space safely. They can then take notes and help your parent understand what is being said so later you can review the information. Being able to handle tasks like this on their own is a great way to help your parent feel more independent and in control of their own life.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in South Side, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today.
Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202

 

Source:

Arthritis.org
Arthritis.org/facts
Arthritis.org/when-to-see-a-doctor