Almost half of all adults 65 or older have some form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common. If your mom has arthritis, it can be debilitating and keep her from completing her daily tasks without struggling. It may make her less active, but it’s essential for her to be as active as possible. Here are some tips for helping her stay active.
Get Others to Join Her For Walks
If your mom is more comfortable having company while she walks, make sure she has people to walk with. Family and friends can each take a couple of hours each week to join her for walks. You could arrange a family walk at a local zoo or nature preserve. If there’s a community walking group, she could join them.
You should also consider companionship services so that she has a caregiver available each week. Her caregiver can join her on walks, drive her to fitness programs at the local pool, or encourage her to use her bike at home.
Sign Her Up for Pool Access
The buoyancy in water reduces pressure on the joints of the ankles, knees, and hips. If there’s a community pool or indoor pool at a Y or fitness center, pay for yearly access. Swimming is a fantastic exercise for people with arthritis. Plus, there are often water aerobics classes that help her stay motivated.
Invest in an Exercise Bike
If the weather’s good, your mom could go outside for a bike ride. But, if you get her an exercise bike, she can ride inside any time she wants. Set up the bike in front of a TV and put on biking travel videos so that she feels like she’s exploring as she pedals.
Should she find the seat uncomfortable, you can get padded bike seats to make it more comfortable. Before you purchase a new one, look to see if anyone locally is giving one away or selling a used one at a steep discount.
Make Sure She Follows Her Doctor’s Advice
If your mom’s doctor has specific instructions on pain management, make sure she follows those guidelines. It might be to use ibuprofen before the pain is too intense or to alternate warm and cold on affected joints each day.
Your mom may be told to lose weight, take a Yoga class, or start doing chair exercises to build up muscle strength. Encourage her to do whatever her doctor says and be ready to talk to the doctor if she does and it’s not helping.
When arthritis pain flares up, your mom shouldn’t have to struggle to complete chores around the home. Senior home care services are ideal for ensuring she has meals and snacks and completes her housework. Call a senior home care specialist to learn more.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Home Care in Fitchburg, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
