Osteoarthritis is one of the most common issues that seniors face that contributes to a decline in the quality of life that is faced.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. It primarily affects the joints that bear weight like the knees, hips, and spine, but it can impact other joints as well. This condition typically develops over time, with risk factors including age, genetics, joint overuse, and prior injuries.
While osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, there are various management strategies available that can help make life a bit easier, including lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, pain relievers, and, in some severe cases, surgical interventions like joint replacement. Early diagnosis and proactive management can enhance the quality of life for those affected by this disease.
There are no approved treatment methods that can help slow down the spread of the disease. However, new research points to the idea that studying people at high risk of this disease after sustaining joint trauma might unlock the key to better treatment for those with osteoarthritis. There’s more work to do here, but it’s a step forward in an area where there haven’t been many advancements.
Arthritis of any sort can limit mobility and make daily tasks that were once natural become laborious and painful. Unfortunately, this is something that many seniors deal with on a daily basis. Aside from making things more difficult, it also increases the likelihood of safety risks for those that are dealing with this. For example, someone that has troubles with mobility is more likely to suffer from a fall.
This research came out of the Boston University School of Medicine. The team published their findings in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases with funding from the Arthritis Foundation. Hopefully, this research can help seniors suffering from arthritis live a higher quality of life in the future. There’s always hope when new findings and advancements come out because it means that it can be applied to medicine and treatment so that a real difference can be made in people’s lives.
That’s why we believe senior care should take your loved one’s unique situation into account. Whether it’s mobility issues because of arthritis or another challenge, the right senior care should meet the needs that are present. Advancements in care don’t mean much if they can’t be applied to the situation that you are facing.
This is where in-home care has a big leg up on other types of care. It is one of the few types of care where the ratio of caregivers to seniors is low: just one to one. That allows a degree of customization and attention to the individual’s needs that can’t be found elsewhere. Partnering the right caregiver with the person in need is important, of course, but once this is done a truly beneficial relationship is created.
This might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. If so, please don’t hesitate to reach out. One of our professional caregivers would be happy to talk more.
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