Assisted Living Community in Marion, OH: When Arthritis Starts Slowing You Down
Seniors with arthritis in an assisted living community in Marion, OH, often cope with daily pain, stiffness, and worries about losing independence, sometimes without fully expressing how much it affects their lives. Seniors can feel more in control of their daily lives again if they get enough exercise, take care of their symptoms, and get help from others in their community.
Seniors with arthritis in Marion, Ohio, might suffer in silence, frequently feeling self-conscious about the loss of mobility and dexterity.
However, these seniors are not alone; national data from the CDC shows that arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability in older adults.
Thankfully, the CDC also notes that staying active and managing symptoms correctly can reduce joint pain and significantly improve daily functioning and mood.
Here's what you need to know about arthritis and aging.
Joint Pain Senior Care in Marion, OH
The community steps in through senior living communities and health care organizations that provide everyday support, encouraging independence while reducing the frictions caused by arthritis aches and pains.
Here's how arthritis affects the joints:
- Morning stiffness makes it difficult to get out of bed.
- Standing for long periods (such as when washing dishes or preparing meals) is challenging.
- Getting dressed, particularly tying shoes, can be tough.
- Staircases can be very problematic, causing significant pain and often resulting in upstairs rooms being semi-abandoned.
- Arthritis may also cause fatigue from persistent pain, leading to disrupted sleep.
There are mental health effects as well; anxiety about experiencing a fall or mobility difficulties might make seniors reluctant to go outside. When joint pain makes life difficult for a loved one, it might be time to consider additional support.
Other Risk Factors
According to Marion County Public Health, many local seniors not only suffer from arthritis but also from high rates of obesity and lack of physical activity. The joint pain and stiffness from arthritis worsen when combined with excessive weight or a sedentary lifestyle. These symptoms can become so debilitating that they interfere with daily function.
Mobility Help in Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities can offer help with joint pain. These communities strive to maintain as much independence as possible, providing tailored support for seniors with arthritis and similar mobility concerns. Staff can assist with daily activities such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Moving around safely
Seniors often take various medications, and managing multiple prescriptions can be challenging. This can lead to missed doses or doubled doses, both of which can have undesirable health consequences. This is particularly relevant for seniors with arthritis because these treatment plans typically involve multiple medications taken at different times.
Assisted Living staff will obtain copies of medication prescriptions to ensure doses are taken on time and refilled before they expire.
Marion, OH Senior Support for Arthritis and Mobility Challenges
Medication can help, but lifestyle changes can be a more effective option. Senior Living Communities are typically built to accommodate residents with joint pain and other mobility issues. These communities feature:
- Fewer stairs to reduce strain on leg joints
- Handrails in hallways for stability
- Grab bars in showers for support
- Well-lit hallways to ensure safety
In addition to physical accommodations, senior communities offer a rich calendar of exercise and engagement opportunities. For example, there might be beginner's chair yoga classes or walking groups that explore the local area together.
These communities also handle chores like cooking meals and property maintenance, allowing residents to enjoy the amenities. It's much easier to have a packed social calendar when you don't have to do energy-draining chores.
Staff can also help seniors to stick to their exercise goals by offering gentle, friendly encouragement. It's much easier to boost your health and improve arthritis symptoms when you have a supportive community at your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Senior-Friendly Exercises Can Help Reduce Arthritis Pain?
The Mayo Clinic recommends senior-friendly exercise activities that can reduce aches and pains. Range of motion exercises involve stretches and pre-set movements to loosen up the shoulders, knees, and hips.
Chair-based exercises such as chair yoga are great for seniors who struggle to stay on their feet but want to improve their physical condition.
Taking short but frequent walks is also beneficial for loosening up joints and staying active. Light strength training with small hand weights or resistance bands can improve joint mobility and self-confidence.
Seniors should consult their doctor before adding any new exercises to their routine, especially if there are concerns about heart health or balance.
When Might Arthritis Signal It is Time for an Assisted Living Community in Marion, OH?
When arthritis becomes too much to manage alone, it might be time to consider transitioning into an assisted living community. Arthritis alone does not usually necessitate the switch, but if caregivers notice any of the following in combination with arthritis, it could signal that it's time for a change:
- Frequent falls or near misses.
- Skipping showers or changing clothes less often due to pain.
- Relying on frozen microwave meals instead of cooking.
- Missing medications or doubling doses due to confusion.
- Spending all day in a sedentary position.
- Becoming increasingly lonely and isolated because of mobility problems.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it might be time to start thinking about an assisted living community in Marion, OH
Discover a Supportive Community
In Marion, OH, seniors with arthritis don't have to let it control their daily lives. With medical care, a safe community to live in, and steady support from an assisted living community, joint pain is easier to manage. Daily tasks feel doable again, and each day can bring more comfort and connection.
DeWolfe Place is a welcoming assisted living community in Marion, OH, where residents with joint pain can take part in tailored wellness programs.
We're proud to offer our military veterans a significant discount on rent. Are you ready to discover the DeWolfe Place community for yourself? We think the best way to do that is to see it in person.
Contact DeWolfe Place Assisted Living today to learn more or schedule a tour of our community. We're looking forward to hearing from you.