Arthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic pain for older adults. Although there are medications that can manage your senior loved one’s condition, it also helps to try natural remedies that ease pain and stiffness. Your loved one can work through these six strategies to increase comfort.
1. Stay within the Target Weight Range
Carrying too much extra weight places a large amount of pressure on the joints. Seniors can work with their doctors to find out their ideal body weight. Then they can implement strategies to help them stay within the right range, such as cutting down on unhealthy foods. Maintaining a healthy weight has a number of benefits for aging adults. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care.Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Do Low-Impact Exercise
Exercising might seem like the last thing your loved one should do when arthritis flares up. However, movement can loosen stiff joints. The right types of exercise can also strengthen the muscles around the joints. Help your loved one find comfortable forms of exercise that don’t strain the joints. Swimming and riding a stationary bike are two great forms of exercise to get your loved one started.
3. Practice Meditation
Pain is easier to manage when your loved one learns how to train his or her mind to focus on other things. Meditation can be practiced while performing many daily routines. For instance, your parent can try mindful meditation by focusing on other sensations he or she feels during a walk, such as the sun on his or her skin or the wind in his or her hair. Thinking about other things may distract your loved one from the discomfort.
4. Try Applying Heat & Cold Packs
Hot and cold temperatures can ease inflammation and loosen joints. Heat tends to increase flexibility in the joints so seniors feel less pain as they move around. A cold pack can ease swelling and inflammation for seniors who experience these symptoms with their arthritis. Your loved one can experiment with varying temperatures to find the right ones to bring relief.
5. Make Dietary Changes
The joints are affected by the things seniors eat. Your loved one should cut down on processed and sugary foods that create inflammation in the body. Seniors might also want to limit how much alcohol they drink, since this can also lead to more inflammation. Certain foods can boost joint health, and your loved one can add them to his or her diet. For example, turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for people with arthritis. A professional caregiver can help your loved one address arthritis and offer you peace of mind. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care. Des Moines Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
6. Arrange for a Massage
Massaging painful joints can increase your loved one’s comfort. You or another caregiver can gently massage the area around the joint to loosen tight ligaments and tendons. A massage also helps your loved one relax, which can also ease pain. Keep in mind that a massage should feel good. If your loved one complains of pain, try massaging a different part of the body or reduce the level of pressure you apply. 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. Des Moinesseniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (515) 264-2438.
