At Assisting Hands Home Care, we can help make life more manageable for those affected by arthritis in Batavia, IL with our arthritis care services. Our caregivers can provide assistance with personal care and tasks around the home that may be difficult for those with arthritis to manage on their own.
Arthritis is a general term that covers a wide range of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints, tissues near the joints, and other connective tissues. These conditions are quite common as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 25% of adults in the U.S. that are 18 years old or older have some form of arthritis. While young adults can get arthritis, people who are 65 or older have the highest rates of arthritis and these conditions are more likely to affect women than men.
Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints which can restrict range of motion and make it difficult for those affected to manage any type of physical activity, from opening jars to walking and self-care. If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis to the extent that it is disruptive to their daily lives, professional home care from Assisting Hands is an excellent option.
Assisting Hands Home Care provides arthritis care in Batavia, IL to help those affected live a better quality of life. We will start by assessing your loved one’s care needs and condition so we can form an effective care plan that includes assistance with personal care and other activities that they cannot manage on their own. Our caregivers will help ensure the comfort of those with arthritis and keep them as active as possible.
Different Types and Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis is an umbrella term for a wide range of conditions that cause pain and inflammation of the joints and connective tissues. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis, and it is caused by aging and wear and tear of the cartilage around the joints. Cartilage is important because it allows for frictionless motion by providing a cushion between the bones at the joint. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones will grind against each other which results in restricted movement and pain. Osteoarthritis can cause deterioration of the connective tissues that hold the joints together and keep muscles attached to the bone, as well as inflammation of the joint lining.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing it to become inflamed and swollen. Over time, this condition can damage the bone and cartilage in the joint.
The pain and swelling caused by arthritis can make it incredibly difficult for those affected to manage daily tasks, especially if it affects the hands or arms. Weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and ankles can also become affected which can make it difficult to comfortably walk or sit up straight. Arthritis can eventually cause the affected joints to lose their alignment and shape.
Most forms of arthritis cannot be cured, so treatment often involves managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the condition. The following are the most common symptoms of arthritis:
- Joint pain
- Swelling of the joint lining
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Redness around the joint
Arthritis Care from Assisting Hands
Seniors and adults who cannot manage daily tasks or self-care because of the severity of their arthritis can benefit from our home care services. Our caregivers will understand the severity of their condition as well as their limitations so we can provide effective personal care and assistance with activities that are too difficult for them to manage. We can also provide medication reminders to help them manage their symptoms and transportation to doctor appointments.
Our arthritis care services can include the following:
- Mobility assistance: We can help your loved ones move throughout their home and get into and out of their bed or recliners to prevent falls.
- Personal care: Our caregivers provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring, as well as other personal hygiene activities.
- Help eating: We will provide assistance for those who have difficulty holding and using eating utensils.
- Meal preparation: We will prepare meals for those who cannot handle the physical acts involved with cooking.
- Physical activities: Our caregivers can take care of physical activities such as lifting and carrying objects, opening jars and other containers, and bending or reaching for items.
- Medication reminders: We will make sure your loved ones take the right dosage of their medications at the right time so they can better manage their symptoms.
- Light housekeeping: Our caregivers will take care of certain light housekeeping duties such as vacuuming, washing dishes, doing laundry, and taking out the trash.
- Transportation: We offer reliable transportation to take your loved ones to doctor appointments as well as family gatherings and other important engagements.
- Help with recreational activities: Our caregivers can assist your loved ones with recreational activities such as going for walks, gardening, and sewing to make these enjoyable activities more manageable.
Call Assisting Hands Home Care for Arthritis Home Care in Batavia, IL
If you or a loved one struggles with self-care or other daily tasks due to arthritis, we can help with our arthritis care services. We will assess the specific care needs and condition of your loved ones so we can manage tasks that they cannot handle without assistance.
You can call Assisting Hands Home Care at (630) 948-8193 for more about our arthritis care services in Batavia, IL.