If you or a loved one is living with arthritis, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that almost half of all adults ages 65 and over have some form of arthritis.[1] While living with arthritis can be painful and debilitating, some exercises and activities can help alleviate the pain and help seniors live independent, productive lives. Assisted living communities do an excellent job of providing seniors with arthritis the activities they need to thrive. We’re going to explore the care available at assisted living facilities for arthritis patients and what Encore Communities has to offer.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis occurs when there is inflammation in the joints. It can impact one or several joints at the same time.[2] While arthritis can affect anyone, it is most common in those over 65 and is more common in women than men.
Assisted Living for Arthritis Patients: Activities & Assistance to Live Productive Lives
Arthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. Assisted living facilities recognize these symptoms and offer care to help residents manage them so that they can live productive lives.
Here are some ways they help:
Medication Management
If residents are taking medication to help relieve symptoms, assisted living communities can provide medication management services so that they stay on track with their dosages. If medication is missed, it will only make symptoms worse and increase the pain.
Exercise Options
Many assisted living facilities offer exercise options. Exercise helps to reduce pain for arthritis patients.[3] It can also help maintain bone strength and strengthen the muscles around the joints. Even something as simple as walking can help residents control their weight. Being overweight can put more stress on the joints, which can lead to more pain for those with arthritis.
Exercise can also improve the quality of sleep. Sleep can reduce inflammation, which is paramount for people living with arthritis.[4] Getting enough sleep can also help improve the body’s pain tolerance, which can be helpful for those with arthritis.
Help with Daily Activities
If needed, assisted living facilities can help residents with daily activities. This can include, but is not limited to, house cleaning, bathing, and dressing. While those with arthritis may not always need this type of help, knowing it is available can reassure residents and family members.
Nutritious Diets
Eating a healthy diet is essential for everyone, especially those with arthritis. Eating balanced meals can help to maintain bone strength and reduce inflammation. Diets rich in carotenoids prove to be the most beneficial. Foods like nuts, leafy greens, and berries can all help those with arthritis.
Access to Medical Aid
Assisted living facilities also offer access to medical care. This can include different types of therapies, such as occupational and physical therapy. Those living with arthritis can benefit from this type of care.
They can also take advantage of comprehensive care support should other issues arise due to their arthritis.
Regular Assessments
Seniors living at an assisted living facility often undergo regular assessments. This can help to determine if a resident’s condition is worsening and needs attention. If a patient is living alone, they may not receive these regular screenings. Detecting problems when they begin can help patients quickly address the issue and minimize discomfort.
Encore Communities Provides Exceptional Assisted Living Options
If you’re looking for an assisted living option in the Washington area, Encore Communities is here to help. We offer assisted living options at our Clearbrook Inn community in Silverdale, WA, and Laurel Cove Community in Shoreline, WA.
Both facilities provide medical care that arthritis patients can take advantage of while maintaining their independence. Residents can also enjoy various activities to keep themselves active and help to ease arthritis symptoms. We also provide access to nutritious meals to help residents stay healthy.
Call us today to learn more about our assisted living communities and to schedule a tour for you and your loved one.
Encore Communities provides exceptional options that allow residents to live independent lives while receiving help when they need it.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/index.html
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971
[4] https://www.rhcnj.com/blog/the-link-between-sleep-and-arthritis
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.
