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Every year on October 12th, we honor those who face the challenges of arthritis every day. It is a time to bring awareness to the condition and encourage others to be compassionate about their friends and family who might be diagnosed with arthritis.
We can support our loved ones by helping them find fun ways of managing arthritis. One significant way is finding workarounds for their favorite hobbies they might currently feel they can’t participate in.
No matter our age, we always look for ways to enjoy life. Just because we’ve gotten older or our abilities have changed doesn’t mean we should forget about those things that spark joy.
As we age, those activities we do for fun can help us. Hobbies allow our brains to be used in ways that aren’t normally activated during typical everyday activities. These activities also typically move your body in ways you don’t do much on average.
So, as your loved one ages and the aches and pains of arthritis get more challenging, encouraging them to find new ways to participate in their hobbies could help. Even though moving joints can be painful, the more often your loved one flexes those parts of their body, the easier it will be on their overall pain levels.
Now that we understand just how essential hobbies can be for individuals facing physical challenges, such as arthritis, how do we ensure they can participate in them? The answer might be more simple than you think.
Many people are looking for accommodations to do activities such as knitting, playing cards, reading, gardening, or cooking. The good news is your loved one isn’t alone. Better yet, they might even be able to find a local group with similar issues to offer support and have activity get-togethers – more on that later.
Here are some simple modifications your loved one can make to ensure they’ll still enjoy their favorite activities.
Making accommodations for arthritis when gardening is as easy as creating raised gardening beds and using tools with long handles and soft grips to avoid having to bend low to the ground. You can also encourage your loved one to work with low-maintenance plants to make adjustments if they are having a flare-up day where tending to their garden isn’t possible.
Some tools that might be helpful when cooking with arthritis are those that either do the work for them or have soft handles to help a senior’s grip. If cooking is too strenuous on their body, finding alternatives such as cooking together, compiling a cookbook for family and friends, or participating in community meals that are more about socialization and bonding over food than making the meals themselves might be helpful.
With the right approach, yoga offers a gentle, low-impact exercise that helps individuals tune into their bodies while keeping joints and muscles warm and flexible. If your loved one already loves yoga, this activity doesn’t require much adjusting for arthritis. And if your loved one is looking for lower-impact activities to replace others, such as walking or hiking, then yoga can be a solution.
If your loved one crochets, consider ergonomic crochet hooks with bigger handles, which will help them better position their hands. For knitting, a few alternatives are square knitting needles or a knitting loom, which are gentler on their hands and allow them to complete projects with less of a challenge. Crocheting and knitting can also be made more manageable with the use of a yarn holder to keep projects organized and contained.
When your hands are riddled with arthritis pain, holding something as small and thin as playing cards can be tricky; luckily, your loved one can switch to using jumbo cards. Or if their card game doesn’t allow that option, they can put cards into a card holder for ease of use.
Brushes with bigger handles or spring-loaded scissors can make intricate movements for arts and crafts fun again. However, these aren’t the only modifications that can be found in crafting circles. Seniors with arthritis can also utilize padded tweezers, large rubber stamp pressure tools, and spray paint trigger handles to make actions that require precise dexterity easier.
When it comes to reading books, two different options are available to your loved one. The first is a tool that allows those with arthritis to hold their books with less strain on their joints. It is called a page holder and can be found on Etsy or Amazon. Or, if your loved one can’t even bear the weight of holding a book, they can switch to listening to audiobooks.
Finally, if your loved one loves to spend time each day writing or journaling, there are solutions to help them avoid more aches and pains. The obvious choice is having them use technology to their advantage through typing instead of writing by hand or using voice-to-text. However, if they are still able to and enjoy writing by hand, getting them grips for their pencil can go a long way toward enjoying their hobby without an increase in discomfort.
While knowing how to adjust to your loved one’s hobbies is integral to sparking joy in their day, it’s not the only way you can help. Most importantly, your senior will look to you for assistance with motivation and getting started with these new modifications.
Encouraging them to try new things or to adjust their mindset regarding their beloved hobbies is as easy as doing the activity with them or gifting them the necessary tools. Showing that you are excited about them finding an outlet for joy can make a difference in how your senior will react to the change.
If you can’t spare the extra time to encourage your loved one to keep up with their hobbies, an excellent alternative is local hobby groups. These groups are helpful for motivating your senior regarding a hobby and can also provide emotional support. Often, when dealing with this chronic condition, feeling connected to others is the key to managing arthritis in a more positive light.
If you need tips on approaching these changes in your loved one’s life or want assistance with their daily care, contact Accessible Home Health Care.
By Phara Lafortune-Morame, LCSW, MCAP, EMDR cert., QS.There are many reasons that significant moments are often celebrated with a drink. But during the holidays, otherwise-celebratory toasts can be triggers for people who struggle with substance use disorder, including seniors.Some families and cultures have holiday traditions that lean heavily on alcohol consumption. Family recipes for festive cocktails and toasts before dinners reinforce the idea that consumption is part of connecting with loved ones and embracing the holiday spirit.The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States notes that a quarter of the $49-billion-a-year distilled spirits industrys profits come from the month between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Another study notes that the average American drinks 27% more during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year.As a result, the stress and anxiety associated with the holiday season can result in increased consumption or return to drug and alcohol use for those currently in recovery, particularly for older residents, who tend to suffer from depression more during the holidays. Many studies note that nearly half of individuals recovering will return to use during the holiday season.The prevalence of substances in celebrations often mixes badly with the elevated depression and stress the holidays can bring. Expectations for creating and experiencing holiday joy are at the center of potential substance use triggers. When mixed with emotional turmoil, financial stress, loneliness, grief, nostalgia, and dysfunctional and complex family relationships, this can create a desire to seek temporary escape from overwhelming feelings through substances. For those aged 65 and older, alcohol misuse is the most frequently reported substance of use.The use of alcohol in older adults negatively impacts brain structure and function and can lead to declines in cognitive function and memory, particularly for adults over the age of 65. In addition, the bodys ability to break down alcohol decreases with age, resulting in increased risk for accidents and falls, fractures and car accidents. For anyone in recovery from substance use disorder, or concerned about increased consumption through the holidays, it is important to plan.Here are strategies for staying sober: Be aware of people, places or situations that can trigger consumption, and do what you can to minimize these exposures. Keep (and bring, if necessary) a nonalcoholic drink in your hand to resist temptation and discourage others from offering an alcoholic drink. Set realistic expectations. Stress is common for nearly everyone during the holidays, and spontaneous, imperfect moments are often the most memorable and special moments. Take care of yourself. Proper nutrition, exercise and meditation do wonders for your well-being. If you feel well physically, you will be stronger emotionally. Set boundaries, and let people know where you need support in resisting temptations. Have a plan on how to navigate, and more importantly exit social gatherings (For example, do not be dependent on someone else for transportation, so you can leave if needed). Be aware that returning to use a substance after a period of abstinence can happen AFTER the holidays, where we can justify returning to use by feeling entitled to drink or use drugs for having made it through the holidays. Sometimes, we manage better during a crisis than afterward.. Seek professional help and support.Sometimes, substance misuse is difficult to recognize in older adults, and few treatment programs are designed to meet their needs. However, the Primary Care Addiction Treatment (PCAT) program for adults at Healthcare Network follows a supportive, compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to encourage healing and lessen negative effects. The program treats every patient with respect and dignity, using empathetic language to reduce stigma and foster a supportive environment.Healthcare Network also offers medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other substances within a primary care setting. Comprehensive care includes medication treatment along with behavioral therapy and counseling services to provide a whole-care approach to treating substance use disorders and support recovery.In addition, our primary care programs for the whole family include integrated mental and behavioral health care to address some of the mental health challenges that are sometimes at the root of substance use disorders.Help is available through the holidays and beyond. Supportive treatment can be the gift of a lifetime for you and your loved ones. About the Author By Phara Lafortune-Morame is associate clinical director of behavioral health at Healthcare Network. To learn more about substance use and behavioral and mental health support available Healthcare Network, visit healthcareswfl.org or call 239.658.3000.
Downsizing can be an emotional and overwhelming process, especially when it involves parting with a lifetime of memories and cherished belongings. At Bluestar Move Management, we specialize in making this transition as smooth and positive as possible. Whether youre moving to a smaller home, a senior living community, or simply looking to declutter, our comprehensive downsizing services are designed to support you every step of the way.Why Choose Bluestar for Downsizing?We understand that each move is deeply personal. Our approach combines professionalism, compassion, and respect to ensure your downsizing experience is stress-free. Our team handles every detail, from sorting and organizing to packing and setting up your new home, so you can focus on embracing the next chapter of your life.Our Downsizing Process1. Free ConsultationWe begin with a complimentary one-hour onsite consultation to understand your goals, timeline, and specific needs. This helps us create a tailored plan for your transition.2. Sorting & OrganizingOur team works closely with you to sort through your belongings, helping you decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. We treat every item with care, respecting the memories and meaning attached to your possessions.3. Packing with CareWe handle the packing process with precision, ensuring that your items are safely and securely prepared for the move. From fragile keepsakes to everyday essentials, everything is packed with the utmost attention to detail.4. Estate LiquidationIf you have items you no longer need, we can assist with estate sales or donation coordination, helping you simplify your move while maximizing the value of your belongings.5. Moving Day ManagementOn moving day, we oversee all aspects of the process, coordinating with movers and ensuring everything goes according to plan.6. Unpacking & Home SetupOnce you arrive at your new home, we take care of unpacking and arranging your space to make it feel like home. From furniture placement to hanging artwork, we ensure your new environment is comfortable, functional, and welcoming.The Benefits of Downsizing with BluestarReduced Stress: We handle the logistics so you can focus on the emotional and practical aspects of your move.Customized Support: Every downsizing journey is unique, and we adapt our services to meet your specific needs.Professional Expertise: With years of experience, our team knows how to manage every detail of the process efficiently.Emotional Understanding: We recognize the emotional challenges of downsizing and provide compassionate support throughout the process.Additional ServicesDecluttering & Organizing: Create a streamlined, clutter-free living space with our expert organizing services.Donation & Disposal Coordination: We ensure that unwanted items are donated or disposed of responsibly.Home Sale Preparation: Enhance the appeal of your current home with our preparation services, including staging and organizing.Start Your Downsizing Journey TodayDownsizing is more than just a moveits a transition to a new chapter of life. With Bluestar Move Management by your side, you can trust that every step will be handled with care, respect, and professionalism.Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discover how we can make your downsizing experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
At Bluestar, we understand that moving is more than just transporting belongingsits about starting fresh in a new space. With our comprehensive moving help services, we aim to make your transition seamless and stress-free. Whether youre relocating to a smaller home, a senior living community, or simply need assistance with the complexities of moving, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.Our Moving Help Process1. Free ConsultationYour journey begins with a complimentary one-hour onsite consultation. Well discuss your goals, items for sale, and the timeline for your move, ensuring we understand your unique needs.2. Customized PlanningBased on your consultation, we create a tailored action plan to address every detail of your move. From packing and organizing to setting up your new home, our plan ensures a smooth and efficient process.3. Sorting & Floor PlanningOur team works with you to sort through your belongings, deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. We also create a detailed floor plan for your new space, ensuring everything fits perfectly and is arranged for optimal comfort and functionality.4. Packing & UnpackingWe take care of the packing process with precision, ensuring your items are safely prepared for transport. Upon arrival at your new home, we oversee the unpacking and setup, arranging your furniture, artwork, and personal belongings to make your space feel like home.5. Home Sale PreparationIf youre selling your current home, we help enhance its appeal by organizing belongings, staging key areas, and coordinating with contractors to make necessary improvements. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible sale.6. Making Your New Space Feel Like HomeOnce youre in your new space, we handle all the final touchesfrom arranging furniture to hanging art and setting up electronics. We also remove all packing materials, leaving your new home clean, organized, and ready to enjoy.Why Choose Bluestar?Expertise You Can Trust: With years of experience, we know how to handle every aspect of your move efficiently and with care.Tailored to You: We understand that no two moves are the same, so we adapt our services to fit your specific needs.Stress-Free Moving: Let us handle the details while you focus on settling into your new space.Comprehensive Services: From sorting and packing to estate sales and home setup, were your one-stop solution for all things moving-related.Additional ServicesEstate Liquidation: Need to downsize or sell items? We manage estate sales to help you simplify your move.Donation Coordination: Let us handle donating items you no longer need, giving back to the community on your behalf.Decluttering & Organizing: We create order out of chaos, ensuring your new home is functional and inviting.Ready to Make Your Move?Bluestars moving help services are designed to take the stress out of your relocation process. From the first consultation to the final unpacking, were here to support you every step of the way.Contact Us TodayTake the first step toward a smooth and stress-free move. Schedule your free consultation with Bluestar, and let us handle the details so you can enjoy the next chapter in your life.