How to Support Someone With Arthritis

One in five adults in Canada has been diagnosed with a painful joint condition known as arthritis. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is a serious disease that can have devastating impacts on people’s lives. Arthritis affects Canadians of all ages, across the country, interfering with both physical and mental health, and diminishing quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the mechanical wear and tear on the body’s joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints.

Helping your loved one with their arthritis management can be one of the most loving things you can do. It shows them they aren’t alone as people with arthritis live with pain, and for many, it disrupts their daily lives.

Here are a few ways to be there for your loved one during this challenge.

Be There For Them Emotionally

Having arthritis can be extremely painful and isolating. It’s one of the more invisible conditions a person can have, but it can still be debilitating. Knowing they have someone in their corner who loves and supports them can go a long way.

Sometimes, the most we can do to ease our loved one’s challenges is simply to be there. Taking the time to sit and talk with them can turn a bad day that feels very isolating into a good one, as they feel supported by someone who cares about them.

Another way to be there for them emotionally is to inquire about attending their appointments with them. This not only shows them that you support them but that you are also interested in knowing more about their condition.

Learn What You Can About Arthritis

Gaining more knowledge about their illness will increase your comprehension and, consequently, your capacity to provide compassionate care. There are instances when the seemingly insignificant details have the biggest effects.

Doing your homework and research means your loved one doesn’t have to carry the emotional burden of explaining their arthritis pain and management to you. It shows them how much you value them by taking the time to learn about their symptoms and available treatments.

If you can go to appointments with your loved one, take the time to listen to what the doctor says. Also, ask questions for further understanding. Your loved one might not say it, but they will be grateful knowing they aren’t alone in learning the ins and outs of arthritis.

Communicate and Encourage

Talking with our loved ones about their arthritis pain can help them feel seen. It can also ensure that they know how to communicate to others what they are feeling, ultimately assisting their overall arthritis management.

During these moments of communication, you can also encourage your loved one to participate in arthritis management. Encouragement is the simplest thing that can have a lasting impact on their condition.

Getting your loved one to move their limbs and joints actively ensures that the flare ups will be more manageable when they do happen. Often, especially with seniors, encouragement from loved ones goes much further than the same statements from medical professionals or therapists.

Assist with Small Tasks

If your loved one is willing to accept your help, try to assist with little things. These can be tasks around the house or while out and about doing out-of-home activities.

In any case, the assistance will let your loved one take a load off their sore joints and offer them some time to unwind. Discuss what your loved one might want before you act in order to prevent them from ever feeling as though you are stomping on their toes or treating them less favorably.

Continue to Include Them

Your loved one is still part of your intimate group of friends and family. Just because they are facing this new medical condition doesn’t change that fact.

Keep inviting them to social gatherings and events. It's a certain method of making sure your loved one never feels alone or excluded. No matter what, we're all in need of being loved and appreciated.

Make sure the activities you invite your loved one to are accommodating if they have mobility issues so they don't feel burdened or singled out. Make sure that your time together doesn't overload them with fine motor tasks if they are no longer able to perform as many of them.

Ensuring your loved one is still loved and part of the family is most important.

We Are Here To Help

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a form of arthritis, we are here to help. Managing arthritis can be challenging, but with the right support and care, it is possible to improve quality of life. Our team offers personalized services, and expert guidance to assist with pain management, mobility, and daily activities. Following our personalized care plan and offering emotional support, we are dedicated to providing the care and attention your loved one needs during this time.

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