There are many types of arthritis, and your dad has two of them. Gout affects his big toes regularly, making it impossible for him to walk or put shoes on. He also has the most common type, osteoarthritis. Together, these forms of arthritis make it hard for him to complete daily tasks. How do you help him? Would hiring veterans’ home care providers help with the things he is struggling with?
Joint Pain Limits Mobility
Arthritis can make joint pain unbearable. Using over-the-counter pain relievers will help manage pain, but it’s not always enough. Heat and cold therapies can also help. Exercise is key to keeping the joints and muscles fluid.
There are still some tasks that are hard to do when arthritis pain is impacting your dad’s mobility. Where is his laundry room? If it’s in the basement or garage, your dad may have to walk down the stairs while balancing a laundry basket. Is it hard for him to get down the stairs without being able to hold onto two rails? He may need someone to do the laundry for him.
He Can’t Stand in One Place For Long
Gout occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, usually the joints in the big toes. He may find it too painful to put on a sock and shoe, or even stand for more than a few minutes. Your dad needs someone to do things like cook his meals and support him when he gets in and out of the shower.
As your dad will be taking prescription medications and changing his diet to help prevent gout flare-ups, he also needs someone to remind him to take his medications if he’s often forgetting a dose. He may need someone to help him cook appropriate meals and shop for groceries, too.
He Can’t Drive
Your dad has arthritis in the spine or neck, and that makes it hard to turn his head to the side. When he’s driving a car, he cannot check his blind spots properly. He shouldn’t drive. If he needs to go out, he should have someone else drive him to stores, medical offices, area businesses, community centers, and other attractions he frequents.
If he has a caregiver driving him around, he also has someone to help him choose items in stores, complete payments, and carry the bags. When he’s back home, his caregiver can help him back up the stairs into his home before carrying in the bags.
Ask Him If He’s Ready For Veterans’ Home Care Help
It’s time to talk to your dad about his need for help. He shouldn’t be embarrassed or ashamed to admit that he needs help. If veterans’ home care services make life easier, start making the arrangements.
Arrange veterans’ home care to assist your dad as needed. If he has assistance with housekeeping, errands, and personal care, it’s going to make his daily life a lot less demanding. Learn more about veterans’ home care by talking to our specialist.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Veterans’ Home Care Services in Towson MD please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258
A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.
Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.
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