Arthritis is a debilitating disease that can be far more than just painful; it can lead to serious safety hazards for seniors at home. Depending on the type of arthritis a person is dealing with, a “flareup” could cause a person to lose their balance and fall down.
For example, if an elderly person has been diagnosed with arthritis and it affects their hips, knees, or ankles and is walking up or down a flight of stairs when they suddenly experience a flareup, what could happen?
They could lose their balance, fall, and be seriously injured. While this is a simple example, it’s not the only scenario that could be affecting an elderly person right now.
Some types of arthritis can increase safety issues in the kitchen.
Many people who have arthritis experience joint pain in their fingers. In some cases, the arthritis can be so severe that it deforms the fingers themselves, bending them and making it difficult to grab onto various items.
Imagine an elderly person trying to prepare a meal in the kitchen. They might’ve taken some type of prescription medication or over-the-counter pain reliever that helps to reduce swelling, so they feel good enough to start making a meal.
They pull out the cutting board, meat or vegetables, and knives and set to work. However, that arthritis is relentless and they can’t grip the knife as firmly as they should. One little slip and a sharp knife can severely lacerate the skin, possibly even cutting to the bone.
These simple examples highlight the importance of being proactive when it comes to safety.
There may be braces, medications, ointments, and other treatment options that can alleviate at least some of the pain and reduce some swelling, but that doesn’t mean the senior is any safer at home.
Sometimes it may be best to lean on another person for help, especially when the arthritis is flaring up. Calling on a family member or friend might seem like the best course of action, but what if they aren’t available when the senior needs help?
That’s why it’s a good idea to reach out to a home care agency in the area, speak to an administrator, and find out what kind of flexibility they can offer. Imagine being able to call on help in the morning for a few hours, in the afternoon another day, or the evening a few days a week.
Even though the senior is struggling with arthritis, their safety doesn’t necessarily have to be compromised because of it, at least when they have home care support.
