for living daily
TIPS with arthritis
STORY BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Arthritis isn ’ t a single disease , but a term that refers to more than 100 conditions characterized by joint pain or joint disease , says the Arthritis Foundation . Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States , and affects women at a proportionally higher rate than men .
Arthritis looks and feels different to the various people who experience it , and symptoms can vary from day to day depending on variables such as the weather and individuals ’ level of physical activity . When arthritis flares up , it can make performance of daily activities challenging . Therefore , people experiencing arthritis can take steps to make living with the condition somewhat easier .
1
WORK WITH AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
An occupational therapist can assess work and home situations and make recommendations on potential modifications to these spaces that might be right for your situation . The bathroom and kitchen typically are two spaces where people spend a lot of time and can be areas of focus . Having items at counter height ; purchasing smaller sizes of products that are easier to hold ; avoiding bending down by using a grabber tool ; and having a chair or stool nearby so that you can sit while doing an activity can help .
4 USE SMART DEVICES
The bevy of smart devices now available can work to your advantage . With the push of a button on a phone app or through voice control , you can turn on lights , switch the thermostat or perform any other tasks programmed around the house . This can help when mobility is compromised .
2 FOCUS ON KITCHEN TASKS
Meal preparation can be a chore when arthritis makes it painful . Rather than eating out all of the time , some tips can help . Utilize frozen fruit or vegetables that already are chopped and prepared to cut down on these tasks . Invest in lightweight cookware and dishes to simplify moving items around . Electric jar openers , kitchen scissors and even vegetable steamers that require less water are additional kitchen tools that can make life with arthritis a little easier .
5 MOVE YOUR BEDROOM
If climbing stairs repeatedly is problematic , move clothing or even your bedroom downstairs to reduce trips up and down . Additional relocation techniques can include putting a mini fridge in your bedroom or relocating the washer and dryer upstairs to make laundry easier .
3
GET THE RIGHT PAIN RELIEF
Pain relief can make it easier to cope . Strategies include anti-inflammatory medications , physical therapy and massages , stretching and exercising and even prescription therapies that target the immune system in people with autoimmune arthritis . Work with health professionals to get the right combination of what is needed to alleviate pain and stiffness .
6 GET A ROLLATOR
A rollator is a wheeled walker that doubles as a seat . It provides support when walking , but also can be a comfortable place to stop and take a seated break .
30 SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE 2024