How to Care for a Loved One With Arthritis

As a caregiver for someone with arthritis, you may often have doubts as to the best course of action for providing your loved one with the best care. You may feel that you too must reach out for support in caring for your loved one. Take a practical approach to caring for you loved one's emotional and physical needs while still addressing your own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Support group
• Arthritis-related literature
• Assistive devices
• Physician
• Supportive devices

Support Your Loved One With Arthritis

1. Educate yourself about the specific type of arthritis that afflicts your loved one. From rheumatoid arthritis to osteoarthritis, each type of arthritis may progress differently, requiring specific medications and potential surgery.
2. Stay on top of your loved one's pain medication regimen by accompanying him on doctor's visits when possible. An important aspect of care for an arthritis sufferer is the use of anti-inflammatory pain medications, which may change in dosage as the patient's condition changes.
3. Work with your loved one and an occupational or physical therapist to help maintain the health of his joints. Daily exercises may be required and your support can help keep your loved one on the right track.
4. Equip your home with products designed with an arthritis sufferer in mind. From the kitchen to the bedroom, you can help your loved one maintain her independence longer by purchasing household goods with large, easy-to-handle grips.
5. Assist your loved one with daily personal care such as bathing, dressing and eating when needed and recognize when your loved one is capable of performing these tasks without assistance.
6. Be an advocate for your loved one when faced with difficulties acquiring proper medical or financial assistance. Your loved one may not have the energy or strength to negotiate with medical insurance providers or others, so it is up to you to carry their flag into battle when challenges arise.
7. Motivate your loved one to make the most of his life with arthritis. This may mean helping him get out in public more often, encouraging him to participate in a favorite hobby or finding new ways to enjoy the things that you loved doing together.
8. Take care of yourself so that you can be there when your loved one needs you. Support groups centered around the needs of caregivers are one way to make sure that you get the emotional support you need.

Tips & Warnings

• Notify your loved one's physician immediately if you notice signs of severe depression such as suicidal thoughts.