Arthritis is a condition that is common among older Australians. It brings pain and stiffness to the joints and increases the difficulty of normal everyday activities. For a lot of seniors, everyday tasks such as standing, reaching, or using their hands become painful. If you have a grandparent who is living with arthritis, they might find walking, cooking, bathing, and even simple tasks such as holding objects very difficult. Such challenges may eventually diminish one’s independence over time.
But with the appropriate assistance, your loved one can keep on living safely and comfortably at home. Simple adjustments, basic help, and community care can make a significant difference. No matter whether the help comes from relatives or a professional carer, proactive planning can lessen the stress.
In this blog, we discuss five useful ways to help a grandparent who lives with arthritis. We also reveal how services such as NDIS or in-home aged care can be beneficial.
Make the Home Safe and Easy to Move Around In
Arthritis affects the way people move. It may cause walking to be an uncomfortable activity or cause balance challenges. Certain seniors may grow unsteady and apprehensive about falling. First, eliminate things that can cause a tripping hazard such as rugs, cables, or cluttered paths. Be sure each room is well-lit and has sufficient space for easy movement.
Within the bathroom, fix grab bars by the toilet and the shower. For more safety, use a shower chair or no-slip-mats. Place raised chairs or use cushions to make sitting and standing easier in the bedroom or in the living room. Equipping the kitchen with tools that have easy-grip handles may likewise be beneficial.
In case more assistance is necessary for your grandparent, there is sufficient help available. Government funded support services for the home could help fund minor home modifications. Through NDIS in home support, eligible individuals can access safety upgrades as well. A support worker may visit to perform an assessment and provide helpful suggestions.
Assist with Daily Living Without Taking Over
Even though your loved one needs assistance, they still may want to stay in charge. Give them assistance while refraining from taking full responsibility. It thereby enhances confidence and preserves independence. Offer help in dressing up, grooming, preparation of meals, or washing. Divide the tasks into small manageable steps.
With increasing severity of arthritis, tasks can become so difficult that they become unmanageable. This is the moment when well-trained carers can take over. Such carers are capable of helping with daily activities as well as administering medications, all the while prioritising comfort and dignity.
Encourage Gentle Physical Activity
Exercise helps in keeping joints flexible and muscles strong. It also lessens stiffness and helps boost overall mood. Give your loved one the encouragement to go for brief walks or perform light stretches each day. Seniors can also benefit from seated workouts, aquatic therapy, or yoga.
Prior to starting any new movement seek the advice of a General Physician or physiotherapist. A great number of older adults feel concerned about falling or injuring themselves. The presence of necessary support during exercising can ease those fears.
Should he/she be an NDIS participant, the plan of your grandparent might involve therapy or exercise sessions as well. Movement support is sometimes included in the in-home care services Brisbane. Home care providers Brisbane supply packages that include gentle, seniors-focused physical exercises.
Help with Pain Management and Medical Appointments
Living with arthritis calls for more than merely taking medication. Your grandparent may be receiving a variety of treatments, regular doctor appointments, and individualised pain plans. It is too much to track all of it. You can help by setting alerts, organising medicine boxes, and escorting them to appointments.
At times, making regular appointments becomes too difficult. If transport becomes an obstacle, homecare package providers can help. Help with transport and appointments is frequently provided by teams of NDIS home care providers. They are also able to help your grandparent stick to schedule, intake the appropriate medication and follow their care plan.
For loved ones who require regular check-ins, a care team can arrive at home. That, in turn, takes stress off your family and offers extra comfort to your grandparent.
Explore Funded Support Services to Ease the Load
It may be difficult to determine when it is time to bring in third party assistance. But if arthritis is restricting their ability to look after themselves, it might be the right time. Home-care support through NDIS is available to anyone aged under 65 who lives with a serious, enduring condition. If they satisfy the criteria, support workers can support with showering, housework, meal preparation, and many more.
If someone is over 65, assistance is offered through Home Care Packages. 1st Care Community’s home care Package Services are provided in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Seniors are visited weekly or daily to assist in house chores, shopping as well as personal maintenance.
You can reach out to providers such as 1st Care Community for assistance regarding your NDIS plan. If a care plan is already in place for your grandparent, the team could help you make the most of it. Our staff has options to relieve the stress on your family, including support coordination and providing hands-on care.
Get Started with 1st Care Community
Helping a grandparent with arthritis requires time, care, and support. To begin with, make certain their home is both safe and comfortable. Then, help them with their daily needs and keep them active. Should life become more difficult, remember that NDIS and aged care services are ready to supply the additional support your family requires.
Visit our website for information regarding our NDIS services, in-home aged care, and home care services in Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Or, contact us to get in touch with our friendly team of experts.
