Adaptive Strategies for Seniors with Rheumatoid Arthritis

According to Mayo Clinic, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes the deterioration of joint lining and surfaces, resulting in impaired functioning. It is an autoimmune disorder that “occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues.” Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, and deformity of joints in the hands, feet, and, eventually, larger joints of the body. As a result, people experience impaired fine motor skills and physical disabilities as they attempt to complete their daily tasks. The experienced caregivers of Visiting Angels Foley/Gulf Shores support our senior clients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis by assisting with daily activities in the comfort of home. Here are three adaptive strategies our caregivers facilitate while working with clients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Exercise

Regular gentle exercise for people with rheumatoid arthritis maximizes functioning while slowing the effects of the disease. An exercise program should focus on three activities: stretching, strengthening, and conditioning. 

• Stretching exercises ensure the joints maintain full range of motion and prevent tightness and limitations. Click here to see a video from WebMD with stretching ideas that seniors can modify as needed for safe completion.
• Strengthening through resistance training is vital to maintain and improve muscle mass. Specific resistance training ideas include light hand weights and the use of body weight for resistance, such as wall pushups.
• Conditioning exercises aim to raise our heart rate and challenge our lungs to improve cardiovascular health. With rheumatoid arthritis, low impact exercise is best to avoid damaging fragile joints. AARP outlines five low impact exercise options here.

Use of Adaptive Equipment

As the saying goes: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” As a result, creative people have developed adaptive equipment to maximize independence for seniors affected by rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. Here are a few of the most commonly used and helpful pieces of equipment:

• Reacher: This device functions just like it sounds. It reaches items low to the ground or higher on a shelf to make retrieving objects easier.
• Long-handled Shoehorn: This spine-saving piece of equipment makes putting on shoes a cinch. Place the shoehorn at the heel of the shoe and slide your foot in without having to bend over.
• Long-handled Sponge: All hard-to-reach areas can get cleaned in the shower thanks to the reach provided by this device.
• Built-up Toothbrushes and Utensils: Standard toothbrush and utensil handles are typically narrow and slippery. Thickening the handle makes it easier to hold.
• Jar Opening Devices: We have all wrestled with the pickle and jelly jars. Several versions of jar openers are on the market to make this task more manageable and less painful.
• Button Hook: Buttons are so small, they can be almost impossible to manipulate when dressing. The button hook solves this by providing a built-up handle and design to promote independence.
• Zipper Pull: The ability to grasp the small tab to zip/unzip shirts, pants, and coats can be difficult with rheumatoid arthritis. A zipper pull provides a larger tab to grasp and pull when zipping.

Energy Conservation

Rheumatoid arthritis causes people to fatigue rather quickly when completing daily activities. Therefore, the implementation of energy conservation strategies throughout the day is vital for quality of life and to prevent episodes of extreme, debilitating fatigue. The following are a few energy conservation ideas to keep in mind.

• Ask for Help: Sometimes, we all need a helping hand. Visiting Angels Foley/Gulf Shores provides home care services for seniors with rheumatoid arthritis by completing daily tasks such as laundry, light housekeeping, running errands, and meal preparation. In turn, our senior clients conserve their energy for more meaningful activities, such as attending a grandchild’s ball game, tending to their cherished garden, or tackling the woodworking project.
• Pace Yourself: Instead of completing an activity all in one afternoon, break the activity into small pieces with rest breaks in between. Consider spreading the work out across a few days.
• Use Larger Joints: When possible, use the larger joints of the body instead of smaller, weaker joints. For example, when carrying a purse or grocery bag, consider slinging the bag across the forearm using the elbow to hold it instead of grasping the bag in one hand and stressing the smaller finger joints.
• Sit When Possible: If you need to complete a job that can be done when seated, at least for part of the time, consider ensuring a chair is available for intermittent use.
• Plan: Avoid unnecessary walking, bending, or other physical activity by planning ahead. Ensure all supplies are gathered and nearby.

Visiting Angels is the premier senior home care provider in Alabama, including the cities of Gulf Shores, Foley, Yupon, Swift, Orange Beach, and surrounding areas. We strive to facilitate the highest quality of life for all of our seniors, including those with rheumatoid arthritis. If you or a senior loved one could benefit from in-home senior care with Visiting Angels Foley, please call us at 251-517-9700 or contact us online to learn more.