Osteoarthritis inevitably takes its toll on the daily lives of those affected as well as their family and friends. It can be extremely debilitating when it occurs at an age when the individual is already frail and coping with different illnesses. Various outside agencies should be called upon to provide domiciliary care which will allow the individual to stay in their own home. However, a move to a care home should be considered.
Osteoarthritis, a prevalent condition among seniors, can significantly affect their daily lives. As joints deteriorate over time, individuals experience pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, which can pose various challenges. Here's a closer look at how osteoarthritis impacts daily life for seniors:
Mobility limitations:
Osteoarthritis can hinder seniors' ability to move comfortably. Tasks like walking, standing, or even getting in and out of chairs may become arduous due to joint pain and stiffness. This limitation can lead to a loss of independence and require assistance from caregivers or family members.
Persistent pain and discomfort:
Chronic joint pain is a hallmark symptom of osteoarthritis. Seniors may experience ongoing discomfort in affected joints, making simple activities like reaching, bending, or grasping objects challenging. Managing this pain becomes a daily concern and may impact mood and overall well-being.
Activity restrictions:
The limitations imposed by osteoarthritis can restrict seniors from engaging in activities they once enjoyed. Hobbies, sports, and leisure activities may need to be modified or abandoned altogether due to joint pain and physical limitations. This can lead to feelings of frustration and a sense of loss.
Emotional impact:
Coping with the physical challenges of osteoarthritis can take a toll on seniors' emotional health. Feelings of frustration, sadness, or even depression may arise as they grapple with the changes in their bodies and lifestyles. Maintaining a positive outlook and seeking support from loved ones or professionals is essential.
Sleep disturbances:
Joint pain can disrupt seniors' sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or restless nights. Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position or waking up due to pain can result in fatigue and daytime drowsiness. Poor sleep quality can exacerbate other symptoms and impact overall health.
Social isolation:
Osteoarthritis can sometimes lead to social withdrawal as seniors may feel self-conscious about their condition or fear being a burden to others. Limitations in mobility or discomfort during social outings may cause them to decline invitations and withdraw from social interactions, leading to feelings of loneliness.
Caregiver burden:
Family members or caregivers may shoulder the responsibility of providing support and assistance to seniors with osteoarthritis. This can involve helping with daily tasks, providing emotional support, and coordinating medical care. Caregiver burnout is a common concern and requires adequate support and respite care.
Despite these challenges, seniors can take steps to manage osteoarthritis and improve their quality of life. This may include staying active with low-impact exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, using assistive devices, and seeking medical treatment or physical therapy.
Understanding the impact of osteoarthritis on daily life is crucial for seniors and their caregivers. By addressing these challenges proactively and seeking appropriate support, seniors can maintain their independence and enjoy a fulfilling life despite their condition.
Moving around, shopping, hygiene routines and getting dressed - all of these actions can trigger pain which is tolerated to varying degrees by usually elderly individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Their range of motion is gradually reduced.
Furthermore, elderly individuals with osteoarthritis often experience pain at certain times of the day. This pain usually increases in intensity. Sitting down can prove painful and will often require a change of posture.
The quality of sleep experienced by osteoarthritic patients will also be affected as the pain is often intensified at night.
Nevertheless, domiciliary care is a viable option if the affected individual has support in carrying out household chores and on moving around, which becomes increasingly difficult on a daily basis. It is therefore advisable to contact your insurance company to find out whether support from a family member is covered in the case of osteoarthritis.
Unfortunately, for many elderly people suffering from osteoarthritis and living alone, this is not the case and every movement takes an immense toll on the individual. Care must be taken not to fall down the stairs or slip in the bathroom, both of which could result in the person being immobilised for hours on end or even worse. There appears to be a hazard around every corner, quite literally.
At this point, a move to appropriate accommodation for dependent elderly individuals in need of medical care should be considered given the significant problems associated with osteoarthritis.
Do not hesitate to contact our elderly care advisors to help you find the most suitable nursing home for your loved one with osteoarthritis. Call Senior Home Plus on: 0203 608 0055 or fill out this form.
