More than 50 percent of seniors over the age of 65 will experience some form of arthritis in at least one of their joints. It’s important to be aware of arthritis symptoms to ensure your elderly loved one receives the treatment he or she needs. Here are the top four symptoms and how they can affect your loved one.
1. Joint Pain
If your loved one is experiencing pain in the joints in addition to a burning feeling, he or she may have some form of arthritis. Although this pain can come and go, many seniors feel it constantly until they seek medical treatment. This type of pain is often caused by inflammation, which can lead to infections and even cancer of the joint if not treated properly.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
2. Joint Stiffness
Often accompanying joint pain, stiffness of the joints can make it difficult to perform daily routines. Stiffness is usually most noticeable in the morning and can ease up after an hour or two, but it can also last all day. It may be felt in fingers or hands, wrists, elbows, or anywhere else joints are found in the body.
3. Deformed Joints
Some seniors’ joints may swell and begin to look like they’re the wrong shape. As arthritis progresses, the joints can become severely deformed. This is known as rheumatoid arthritis, and it can restrict movement and cause a great deal of pain.
Home caregivers can help seniors with daily tasks that are challenging because of arthritis pain. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Livingston families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
4. Grating Sensation
This symptom, often referred to as crepitus, occurs due to the roughening of the surfaces inside the joints, which are normally smooth. Your loved one may not only feel this sensation but hear it as well. While some people only experience a popping or crunching sound, others may have more severe effects. The pain may become difficult to manage, and your loved one may have limited movement, especially if the knees are affected. Treatment is necessary to restore normal joint function.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Livingston seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today.
