October 12 is World Arthritis Day.
One of the most beneficial things you can do as a family caregiver is to help your parent to recognize the risks they face for certain health issues, such as arthritis, and take the steps to reduce those risks. Understanding these risks can also make it easier for you to recognize the signs and symptoms of your parent struggling with health issues so early detection is more possible.
Home Care in Modesto CA: Senior Arthritis
Some of the factors that might increase the risk your senior could suffer arthritis include:
-Being overweight or obese. The more bodyweight your senior is carrying the more pressure is on their joints, and the more likely they will experience the damage and pain associated with arthritis.
-Having certain infections that can spread through the joints and lead to this disease.
-Injuries associated with repetitive motions such as bending, crouching, or other stress on the joints.
-Personal history of smoking.
-Being older. The risk of suffering arthritis increases with age.
-Being a woman. Women are at higher risk for developing arthritis, particularly some forms of the disease, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Specific genetic issues
If your aging parent has the risk factors for developing arthritis, it is important to be vigilant about their health and well-being. Arthritis can diminish functioning, mobility, and quality of life, and can worsen quickly. Recognizing these risks can allow you to talk to their doctor about these risks, and get recommendations for what you can do to reduce the risk and protect them from the consequences associated with this disease. Something as simple as losing weight can reduce your parent’s risk, and protect their health.
It is important to remember that being a caregiver is hard.
Feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed does not make you a bad person, and doesn’t mean you don’t love your parents. It simply means you need help. Fortunately, home care can offer that help. Relying on an in-home senior care services provider to supplement the care you give offers you, not just more time, but the opportunity to focus more energy and attention on other elements of your life.
Taking a step back and making home care a central aspect of your senior’s life can also bring more focus back to your parent-child relationship. When you know your senior is getting the care and assistance they need to manage their challenges and limitations, you can put more effort into spending quality time with them, making memories, and maintaining your bond. This is important for both of you, and a central part of the quality of life.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Modesto, CA, or the surrounding areas please contact the caring staff at ApexCare®. Proudly Serving Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Solano, San Joaquin & Stanislaus counties. Call Today 877-916-9111
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