Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease wherein the immune system attacks the lining of the joint. This causes an inflammation, which can result in deformity. The disease can be severe and can involve not only the joints but also the whole body including the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.

How Preferred Care at Home Caregivers Can Help Clients With Arthritis

• be flexible and open to treatment choices;
• accept encouragement and praise;
• maintain a positive attitude;
• ask their Doctor or Physical Therapist which exercises are best and for guidelines on exercising when joints are sore or swelling;
• ask their Doctor about medications to stop or reduce pain so they can function better;
• rest when their body needs to rest, as too much activity or over exercising can cause more pain;
• protect their joints and take pressure off them;
• lose weight, which can reduce stress on joints and slow down further injury;
• break down activities into small tasks that can be managed more easily;
• develop a daily routine that schedules both rest and activity;
• ask their doctor about joining a self-help and education program;
• develop a support system of family, friends, and health caregivers;
• focus on their abilities instead of disabilities;
• focus on their strengths instead of their weaknesses,
• use assistive devices (canes, grab bars, larger handles);
• find new ways to carry on and enjoy their favorite activities;
• apply heat to relieve joint pain; and,
• apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.