If your senior parent is living alone, arthritis could make it much more difficult for them to do household tasks. But often parents don’t want to tell their adult children that they are having symptoms of arthritis because they don’t want to be a burden. If your senior parent has arthritis home care can help them continue living independently. With home care services, your mom or dad will have the extra help they need to be happy and safe at home.
Arthritis can give your senior parent painful joints and make it difficult for your mom or dad to get around the house, get dressed and undressed, or do simple things like take something out of the refrigerator. Make sure you tell your mom or dad that arthritis doesn’t mean they can’t live alone anymore.
Let them know about these symptoms of arthritis so they can get checked by a doctor if they experience any of them:
1. Joint Pain
One of the most common and earliest signs of arthritis is joint pain. Your mom or dad may experience pain in specific joints, especially in the knees, hips, hands, or fingers.
Early on, the pain that your mom or dad feels may be intermittent or occur only after activity. If your mom or dad is experiencing intermittent joint pain they should get checked by a doctor.
2. Stiffness
Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity, is another early symptom of arthritis in seniors.
This stiffness can make it challenging to perform everyday activities such as getting out of bed, tying shoelaces, or bending down. As the disease progresses, the stiffness may become more persistent, limiting your senior parent’s ability to move around the house easily or take care of themselves at home.
3. Swelling in the Joints
Swelling around the joints is a hallmark sign of arthritis, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. Swollen joints may be tender to the touch and can lead to discomfort during movement. Swelling may also indicate that arthritis is becoming more active. Your mom or dad shouldn’t ignore any swelling of their joints.
4. Reduced Range of Motion
Arthritis can cause a gradual reduction in the range of motion of affected joints. If that happens, your mom or dad may notice that they have difficulty fully extending or bending their arms, legs, or fingers.
This loss of flexibility and mobility can make it challenging to perform activities such as reaching for items on high shelves, walking, or even holding a cup. If your mom or dad is struggling with a limited range of motion, home care can help.
5. Fatigue and General Malaise
While not a symptom directly linked to the joints themselves, fatigue is a common early symptom of arthritis, especially in rheumatoid arthritis. Seniors with arthritis may feel unusually tired or sluggish, even after a good night’s rest. The constant pain and inflammation associated with arthritis can contribute to a general sense of fatigue.
If your mom or dad feels more tired than usual or has trouble getting through the day because they have so little energy they should get checked by a doctor.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Sanger CA please get in touch with the caring staff at A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. today. Call (559) 224-9442.
A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Fresno, Clovis, Sunnyside, Fowler, Reedley, Selma, Sanger, Madera CA, and surrounding areas.
- Best Lighting Upgrades For Seniors Living At Home - December 16, 2024
- A-Plus In Home Care November Employee of the Month - December 6, 2024
- Symptoms Of Arthritis Your Senior Parent Shouldn’t Ignore - December 3, 2024
