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July 27, 2022
Due to the various symptoms, it can have a big impact on a person’s life – particularly when it comes to their independence and ability to continue with day-to-day tasks.
While there’s no current cure to arthritis, it’s fortunately a condition which can be managed through a number of measures, such as medication, exercise and lifestyle changes.
With the right knowledge, support and – in some instances – professional care, arthritis can be managed, and your loved one can continue to live a healthy and happy life.
Arthritis is characterised by pain or inflammation in one of more joints. For this reason, it’s very common. Although anyone can be affected by arthritis, there are a few circumstances in which people are more susceptible – such as those with autoimmune diseases, infections and broken bones.
It’s a very common condition – with around 10 million people in the UK affected. And, while it’s often most associated with those over the age of 65, it can actually be a lifelong condition, impacting people of any age, even children.
There are different types of arthritis, all of which carry with them their own unique symptoms – the two main types are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis but there are 10 forms in total.
Because of these varying forms of the condition, symptoms, treatments and care options will vary from person to person and it’s important to understand each condition in order to best treat it.
The most common, and defining, symptom of arthritis is pain or inflammation in one or more of the joints – whether mild or severe.
As there are different types of arthritis, there can be discrepancies in symptoms. We’re going to look at some of the most common.
This is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting mainly those over 40. The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is joint pain or stiffness, but in addition to this people may experience:
Whilst everyone experiences damage to their bones and joints throughout their lives, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage which is situated on the end of your bones is worn down to a point where it becomes painful.
Rheumatoid arthritis differs from osteoarthritis in that it is the body’s immune system which targets certain joints which leads to pain, discomfort and swelling.
The most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is a throbbing and aching pain, which is usually worse in the morning. In addition, other symptoms include:
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can come and go with worse bouts at certain times, such as when a person is stressed or agitated.
As there is no cure for arthritis, it is important other treatments and care options are implemented to help those with the condition continue to live well and independently.
For osteoarthritis, lifestyle changes as well as medication and sometimes surgery are recommended. For rheumatoid arthritis, treatments can include physiotherapy, surgery and medication – all of which are done with the aim of slowing the condition’s progress.
Like any condition, there are a range of care options available to you which include:
In order to help you make the most informed choice when it comes to the best type of care for your loved one, we have put together a guide on the different care options available to you.
In a lot of circumstances, arthritis is not a life-limiting condition however it can inhibit a person’s ability to retain their independence. For this reason, 24-hour care and/or nursing care is most likely not required unless a person is exhibiting challenging behaviour, has other medical needs or has rheumatoid arthritis which is progressing.
Residential care homes would provide a person with arthritis the support they need on a day-to-day basis as well as activities, food and socialisation, where assisted living would provide similar support – with a little more independence.
Domiciliary care may be useful in the early stages of arthritis care, allowing an individual to gain assistance with tasks such as washing hair and making and eating meals. However, live-in care would provide full-time support, within a person’s own home, which allows them to remain as independent as possible.
A person with arthritis will likely have the ability to retain a lot of their independence, and with the support of a live-in carer would be able to continue living their life how they always have – choosing to stay in their home, with their belongings, eating the meals they love and seeing their friends.
We offer live-in care services for a number of complex conditions, with arthritis care being one of them. Our live-in carers are experienced in providing high-quality complex care to those who need it.
Whether it is performing housekeeping tasks, preparing meals, doing the shopping, helping with pets, or supporting with medication and treatment needs, a live-in career is there to support all care needs.
At Elder we match individuals with carers based on their specific care needs as well as their personality so you can be reassured that the right person is caring for you or your family – with a trial period so you can be perfectly certain.
