Living With Arthritis: When Is It Time to Consider Assisted Living?
Arthritis can make everyday tasks increasingly difficult as symptoms worsen. Although some older adults manage arthritis at home, this may not be very effective for everyone. Arthritis reduces mobility and causes stiffness and pain in the joints. In most cases, symptoms of arthritis worsen over time, directly affecting your quality of life. If the physical and emotional burden outweighs the benefits of living independently, it’s time to consider assisted living.
In this post, we will explore the key factors for older adults with arthritis that may indicate it’s time to transition to an assisted living neighborhood.
4 Signs Arthritis May Be Affecting Your Independence at Home
1. Fall Risks
Falls are a really serious concern for seniors with arthritis. As joints become stiff and inflamed, it reduces mobility. With limited mobility, even simple tasks like walking, navigating stairs, and getting out of bed become extremely challenging. Oftentimes, limited mobility can lead to falls and serious injuries.
Another important thing is that arthritis affects balance and coordination. Pain in an ankle, knee, or any joint will make the senior change the way they walk, which can cause uneven balance and tripping over.
Assisted living provides a safe environment for older adults, which offers assistance with walking and mobility. Moreover, the community also offers activities that help reduce joint pain, such as massages and light exercise.
2. Difficulty in Daily Activities
As arthritis progresses, daily activities can become challenging due to the constant pain and stiffness in the joints. Due to arthritis, many seniors require assistance with their daily activities of living, like grooming, bathing, and changing clothes.
Similarly, household activities like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and dusting can become overwhelming if you have arthritis. Household chores require long hours of standing and constant physical movement, which increases pain and exhaustion. When you have been dealing with arthritis for a long time, your house eventually becomes too untidy.
Apart from that, your personal hygiene may also get neglected. You may struggle to cut your nails, brush your hair, and clean your teeth every day. Assisted living communities acknowledge these situations that senior residents often go through. That’s why they provide you relief and comfort through housekeeping, dining services, maintenance support, and 24/7 assistance.
3. Social Isolation
Many adults with arthritis, due to their chronic pain, stop going out and avoid social gatherings altogether. They avoid walking, driving, going for groceries, and visiting their loved ones to avoid any discomfort and pain. However, it makes them feel lonely, isolated, and highly dependent on others, which takes away their desire for independence. In fact, many older adults fall into depression due to these very reasons.
Assisted living communities provide ample opportunities to help seniors socialize. You will have access to support groups, social events, and multiple opportunities to hang out with neighbors within a safe environment.
4. Caregiver Burnout
Your family might always be there when you need support or assistance, especially if you have arthritis. However, it can get overwhelming for them if you require constant assistance. Caregiver burnout can affect them, making them feel as if their needs are being neglected.
Assisted living communities provide 24/7 care, allowing your family members to relax and sit back while you receive necessary assistance. When your family doesn’t have caregiver burnout, they will be fully there for you without feeling any pressure. Your conversation will be around shared interests and fun things you do rather than your health and care duties. The bond between you and your family will grow stronger.
Want to Live a Stress-Free Life, but Your Arthritis is Getting in the Way? Consider Moving to Wilshire Senior Living Today!
If you want to live your golden years in peace and comfort while also maintaining your freedom, Wilshire Senior Living is here to support your needs.
At Wilshire Senior Living, we provide round-the-clock care to make sure you are safe, secure, and comfortable at all times. We also include accessibility features, such as safety-equipped bathrooms, emergency call systems, and wheelchair-friendly spaces to minimize fall risks.
If you have arthritis and you struggle to do your daily activities of living, like bathing, dressing, and grooming, your quality of life can deteriorate significantly. Our team of care staff will help you with your daily activities of living without invading your personal space.
Want to learn more about how we can change your life? Schedule a tour of Wilshire Senior Living and meet our care team.
