
Elder care helps seniors with arthritis handle daily tasks safely at home
Seniors who have arthritis often have a very difficult time with activities of daily living. Elder care can help your parent with activities of daily living so they can continue living happily at home.
Activities of daily living are tasks that must be done for the household to continue running, such as paying bills, shopping, picking up medications, and keeping the house clean and sanitary.
For seniors with arthritis, these tasks, which require a lot of manual dexterity, can be painful and sometimes impossible. Having elder care helps seniors with arthritis because a care provider can do any tasks that are too difficult or painful for your parent to do.
What’s Included With Elder Care?
Elder care is a type of home care for seniors that includes assistance with a range of tasks. If your parent has elder care, they will get help from a care provider with tasks like:
Running errands and doing the shopping
Shopping can be tiring for someone with arthritis. Walking through large stores, reaching for items on shelves, and carrying heavy bags can strain painful joints. A home care provider can run errands for your parent and pick up groceries or household supplies. They can also shop for personal items like toiletries, cleaning products, or pantry staples.
If your parent enjoys getting out of the house, the caregiver can go along and help push the cart, reach items on shelves, and carry bags. This allows your parent to stay involved without putting too much stress on their joints.
Picking up prescriptions
Going to the pharmacy regularly can be another difficult task for someone with arthritis. Standing in line, driving, and carrying medication bags may be uncomfortable. An elder care provider can pick up prescriptions and make sure your parent always has the medications they need. They can also check refill dates and help avoid last-minute trips to the pharmacy.
Putting away groceries and keeping the kitchen organized
Even after groceries are delivered or brought home, putting everything away can be challenging. Reaching high shelves, bending down to low cabinets, and lifting heavy items can be painful.
A caregiver can help put away groceries and organize the kitchen so items are easy to reach. Frequently used foods can be placed on shelves that are comfortable for your parent to access. Keeping the kitchen organized also makes it easier for your parent to find what they need without unnecessary bending or stretching.
Washing dishes and helping with kitchen cleanup
Washing dishes can put pressure on hands, wrists, and shoulders, which are often affected by arthritis. Standing at the sink for long periods of time can also be uncomfortable.
An elder care provider can take care of washing dishes, loading and unloading the dishwasher, and cleaning kitchen counters. This keeps the kitchen tidy without requiring your parent to stand and scrub for long periods.
Doing the laundry
Laundry can be very hard for someone with arthritis. Carrying laundry baskets, bending down to load machines, and folding clothes can strain joints. A caregiver can help sort clothes, run the washing machine, move laundry to the dryer, and fold clean clothing. They can also help put clothes away in drawers or closets.
Assisting with paying bills and using the computer
Many everyday tasks now involve computers or online accounts. Paying bills, checking bank statements, or ordering items online can be confusing or difficult if your parent is not comfortable with technology. An elder care provider can sit with your parent and help pay bills, organize paperwork, or navigate the computer. They can help open emails, order household items, or schedule appointments online.
This kind of support helps your parent stay on top of important responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. An elder care provider can also help your parent use video chat apps or social media to stay connected with family and friends.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Elder Care in Jericho, NY, please contact the caring staff at Brookville Homecare today. 516-802-7722