Most people with arthritis wish to remain as independent as possible, so trying to find the right balance between providing help without being overly protective can be a challenge for carers. Here are some ways you can help.
Understand the impact of arthritis
In the same way that understanding their condition helps people with arthritis to cope, the more you understand about arthritis, the more you will be able to provide supportive care and assistance. Learn about the type of arthritis the person you are caring for has and how it is managed(https://arthritisnsw.org.au//living-with-arthritis/).
Arthritis affects different people in different ways, but some common ways in which a person may be affected include:
- Pain and stiffness
- Doing regular activities
- Fatigue
- Emotions
Support arthritis management
Although there is no cure, many of the symptoms of arthritis can be well managed. As a carer, you can play an important part in supporting the person with arthritis to manage their condition with the right combination of exercise, medications, lifestyle changes and learning to cope.
- Medicines
- Healthy diet
- Exercise
- Dealing with pain
- Joint care and fighting fatigue
- Complementary therapies
- Emotional wellbeing
Communicate effectively
Good communication is essential. You and the person with arthritis must be able to discuss how you are both feeling. You need to agree on how to work together so that the person will feel able to ask for extra help when needed and turn it down when not. Communication is also important so you can judge how the person you are caring for is feeling and respond sensitively.
Taking care of the caregiver
Caring for someone with arthritis can affect many different aspects of your life as well as theirs. It is important to take care of yourself and your needs as well.
Services and support
Arthritis is the second leading cause of disability in Australia. If you care for someone living with arthritis, there is a variety of care and support services available to help.
Source and Credit: This information has been developed by Arthritis Australia in collaboration with Home Instead Senior Care