As older adults age, the cartilage in their bodies starts to fade, which leads to arthritis and pain in joints. This can be one of the main reasons seniors stop moving as much as they once used to. However, it is still important to remain active. Keeping in physical shape is one of the best ways to strengthen muscles and reduce the joint pain that comes from having arthritis.
Unfortunately, not all exercises are good for this disease, and a personal care at home assistant may have to seek outside professional help to find the best activities. Physical therapy done at home can be one of the best places to start a care plan for a senior with arthritis.
A personal care at home assistant will want to know the symptoms and signs of arthritis and work with a doctor or physical therapist to develop the best exercises. Once that is in order, they can develop a routine with the seniors and help them stay active and work through the pain from arthritis.
Best Exercises For Arthritis
Seniors won’t be doing intense workouts, and a caregiver must know when a physical activity could be too damaging. It is important to encourage movement without pain. Here are some activities that are good for seniors with arthritis. A personal care at home plan will help create an easy-to-follow workout routine.
Water Workouts
There are special classes seniors can attend that have light workouts in the water. This is a great routine for a senior to get involved in. It is less painful to walk in a pool than to step outside. It is easy on the joints but still a full-body workout. There may even be water aerobics for seniors where they can make it a social event.
Stretching
Taking the time to encourage daily stretching in a seniors routine can genuinely help pain. If they need something that is a bit more fun, they can try a senior yoga class. The instructors will be able to give them a lot of modifications and techniques to help manage the pain.
Short Walks
A senior doesn’t have to go for miles at a time. However, a quick walk around the block is a way to get the blood pumping and help manage any pains and aches. The best news about short walks is they can be done inside. A caregiver can drive the senior to a mall where they can window shop.
Symptoms of Arthritis
If a personal care assistant starts noticing any of the following symptoms, it is time to go to the doctor. Occasionally, the doctor may give the patient instructions on managing the inflammation or prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage the pain. Here are the symptoms of arthritis.
- Decreased range of motion
- Stiffness
- Joint pain
- Swelling in areas
- Redness
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis to affect seniors. They may feel pain in their neck, back, knees, hands, and feet. It can be excruciating, but it can be managed with therapy, activity, and medications when necessary. A caregiver must keep an eye on these symptoms to make sure it doesn’t worsen. Personal care at home can help monitor the symptoms of arthritis.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Personal Care at Home in Greer, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
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