​What to Know About Caring for a Loved One with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Senior Care Arlington Heights IL

Rheumatoid arthritis will not only cause the joints to become inflamed and damaged, but can also cause emotional trauma as well. This disease can cause your senior parent to become depressed or angry and resentful towards those people who do not have rheumatoid arthritis. 

​With a little help from you, other family members, and a senior care provider, there are several ways you can help the senior become more comfortable and manage their symptoms effectively. 
 
How to Care for Someone with Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Learn as much as possible. By educating yourself on this disease, you will know what symptoms your love done may experience, as well as what complications could arise. There are numerous materials on rheumatoid. Arthritis that can be found on the internet and at your local library. 

Do not shy away from help. Being a caregiver in general can be difficult, but caring for someone with this disease can be especially trying. Ask for help whenever you need it or if you would like to take a break. Respite care services are also available, which involves having a professional senior care provider takeover for you while you get some time to yourself. 

Acknowledge your feelings. Whether you are feeling angry, resentful, or frustrated, denying these emotions can be dangerous for your own health. Instead, accept how you are feeling by writing them down in a journal or by sharing them with someone you trust, like a therapist. 

Get moving. One way to prevent depression is to exercise more frequently. The reason physical activity can do this is by releasing endorphins, which have a feel-good response. 

Talk to your doctor. If you are beginning to feel rundown and depressed, do not wait to share these feelings with your doctor. They may be able to make suggestions or write a prescription that will help you solve this problem. 

Take care of your own health. Along with eating a healthy diet and exercising more, you also need to continue doing things you enjoy. Activities that bring you happiness are important for your health because they make you happy and it will show in your caregiving responsibilities. 

Do not forget to have a sense of humor. Laughing can be extremely therapeutic and can help ward off many negative emotions. Watch a funny movie, share jokes with the senior, or read the comics in your local newspaper. 
 
Caring for someone with rheumatoid arthritis can be a daunting task, but these tips should help your role run much smoother. 
 
Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/living-with/rheumatoid-arthritis-caregiving/ 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services Arlington Heights IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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