Arthritis is more than just joint pain. Elderly adults who are living with arthritis experience effects that impact virtually all aspects of their daily life. As a family caregiver, it is important to not only recognize these challenges but to take proper steps to help you’re senior to overcome them. Some of the most challenging effects of arthritis involve the difficulties your parent may face in their own home. The physical effects of the disease can make their home less accessible, threatening their safety and also diminishing their comfort and enjoyment of their space. Fortunately, there are meaningful modifications you can make to this environment to make it more accessible for your elderly loved one as they cope with their arthritis.

Use these tips to make the home more accessible for your senior living with arthritis:

• Consider removing doors to some use rooms of the house, such as the kitchen or living room. This eliminates the need for your senior to have to open the door, which can be challenging for a senior struggling with arthritis in their hands.
• Consider removing cabinet doors in the kitchen so your senior does not have to open them to access what they need inside.
• Place additional lighting sources on opposite sides of the room so your parent can turn the lights on and off no matter where they are without having to cross back and forth. This is particularly important if there is more than one access point to the room .
• Be sure there are strong, supportive hand railings near all stairways and changes of elevation, such as in a sunken room or where there is a large threshold.
• Purchase multiples of everyday necessities so they can be kept throughout the home. Tissues, lip balm, lotion, bottled water, snacks, simple entertainment, reading glasses, and other such items can be stored and various rooms of the house so your parent can easily get to them without having to go to another area.
• Consider replacing a conventional bath and shower with a walk-in version, or one designed specifically for elderly use that includes jets for soothing warmth and pressure.

Many elderly adults struggle with taking care of housekeeping tasks as they get older. Issues such as limited mobility, cognitive functioning decline, decreased energy, low vision, and more can make it more difficult for your parent to handle taking care of their home. Having an elderly care provider as an element of their daily care can help them to maintain a comfortable and healthy home environment, while also promoting a sense of independence and well-being.

An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a schedule that is right for them, as well as for the care you provide on a regular basis. This care provider can help your parent with specific tasks such as light laundry, dishes, tidying up, and taking out the trash. They can also provide physical support and make modifications to tasks so your senior can participate, enabling them to continue to feel independent and in control of their life. This increases emotional well-being, promotes better cognitive functioning and memory, and relieves your stress as you know your parent is in good hands when you are with them and when you are not.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elderly Care in Voorhees, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Attentive Care Inc. 1-800-493-5660