As an adult child, you probably want to do everything in your power to help your aging parent. Sometimes, that means caring for them yourself. But sometimes, that means helping them find the best possible care at home or in a senior-friendly independent living community. If your parent has arthritis, you may worry about how this condition will impact their overall health and well-being as they age. Luckily for you (and them!), there are several things you can do to ensure they stay comfortable throughout the rest of their lives—and some of those things don’t involve much more than loving support and understanding! We’re here to help you understand what’s going on and give you care for arthritis ideas on how best to help your loved one.
Love And Support
One of the best ways to help your parents is simply by being there for them. Give them a call or visit regularly, and ensure you’re keeping up with their daily lives. This can be hard if they’re living far away, but even then, staying in touch through video chats, phone calls, and emails is possible. The more time you spend together, the better.
If physical presence isn’t feasible—perhaps because one or both of your parents are unable or unwilling to move from their homes—then small gestures may mean even more than face-to-face interactions do. Send postcards with pictures from places where you travel to show that “I’m thinking about my mom/dad” when she/he sees them hanging on her refrigerator door (or on his fridge).
Understanding And Patience
When caring for an aging parent with arthritis, understanding what is involved will help you to be more patient with them. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause pain and discomfort, but it’s not just about pain. It’s also about mobility and physical activity. Most importantly, it’s about keeping up with medications and other therapies so that your parent is as healthy as possible—no matter what their age or stage of life.
Help With Insurance And Prescriptions
Helping your parent understand their insurance and the best ways to use it can help them get what they need. It’s also helpful to help them understand copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles — which will make it easier for them to know when they should call the doctor or where they can get care without using their health plan.
It may be possible for you to help them find a cheaper drug therapy that works just as well as one that costs more; find out if there are resources in your area that offer free or low-cost medication assistance programs.
Help With Activities Of Daily Living
The most obvious way to help your parent with arthritis is by assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), the basic tasks people need to live independently. These include getting dressed, bathing, toileting, eating, and grooming. You can also help with mobility – helping your parent get up and move around or transferring them safely from one place to another. If you have children at home, they may be able to lend a hand as well. So don’t hesitate to ask for their assistance!
Help With Exercise
Exercise is important for arthritis in the same way it is for other chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. But even if your parent isn’t into working out, they can still get some exercise even if they’re confined to their bed or a wheelchair.
The specific type of exercise depends on whether their joints are affected by swelling (swollen joints). If so, water exercises are often recommended because they reduce swelling in the joint and improve movement.
If your parent has less pain and better mobility than when they started exercising but isn’t able to do much more than walk around their house or neighborhood, try any activity that gets them moving and exercising their muscles—even if it’s just walking up stairs once every hour or two hours while watching TV.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some helpful tips on caring for your aging parent with arthritis. Remember, no matter the situation; it’s essential to stay positive and try your best!
