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One in four adults in the United States has been diagnosed with a painful joint condition known as arthritis. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is caused by the mechanical wear and tear on the body’s joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints.
Helping your loved one with their arthritis management can be one of the most loving things you can do. It shows them they aren’t alone and are completely understood in their pain.
Here are a few ways to be there for your loved one during this challenge.
Having arthritis can be extremely painful and isolating. It’s one of the more invisible conditions a person can have, but it can still be debilitating. Knowing they have someone in their corner who loves and supports them can go a long way.
Sometimes, the most we can do to ease our loved one’s challenges is simply to be there. Taking the time to sit and talk with them can turn a bad day that feels very isolating into a good one, as they feel supported by someone who cares about them.
Another way to be there for them emotionally is to inquire about attending their appointments with them. This not only shows them that you support them but that you are also interested in knowing more about their condition.
To that end, learning more about their condition will grow your understanding and, by extension, your empathetic caregiving abilities. Sometimes, the seemingly small things are what make the most significant difference.
Doing your homework and research means your loved one doesn’t have to carry the emotional burden of explaining their arthritis pain and management to you. It shows them you care about them so much that you are taking the time to understand their symptoms and therapy options.
If you can go to appointments with your loved one, take the time to listen to what the doctor says. Also, ask questions for further understanding. Your loved one might not say it, but they will be grateful knowing they aren’t alone in learning the ins and outs of arthritis.
Talking with our loved ones about their arthritis pain can help them feel seen. It can also ensure that they know how to communicate to others what they are feeling, ultimately assisting their overall arthritis management.
Communicating with loved ones about their experiences can be about their pain and what we can do to help them cope with arthritis. Knowing what lines make your loved one uncomfortable if you cross them is a strong way to show you love and respect them.
During these moments of communication, you can also encourage your loved one to participate in arthritis management. Encouragement is the simplest thing that can have a lasting impact on their condition.
Getting your loved one to move their limbs and joints actively ensures that the flare ups will be more manageable when they do happen. Often, especially with seniors, encouragement from loved ones goes much further than the same statements from medical professionals or therapists.
If your loved one is willing to accept your help, try to assist with little things. These can be tasks around the house or while out and about doing out-of-home activities.
Either way, the help will allow your loved one to rest their aching joints and give themselves the space to slow down. To ensure your loved one doesn’t ever feel like you are stepping on their toes or making them feel less than, communicate what they might want before you do it.
It is natural to want to step in and help ease arthritis pain immediately. However, unprompted help can often cause your loved one to feel negatively about themselves and their abilities.
Your loved one is still part of your intimate group of friends and family. Just because they are facing this new medical condition doesn’t change that fact.
Continue to invite them to events and social get-togethers. It is a surefire way to ensure your loved one never feels isolated or left out. We all want to feel loved and respected, no matter what.
If your loved one struggles with movement, ensure the activities you invite them to are adaptable without making them feel singled out or burdensome. If they can’t do as many fine motor activities anymore, ensure that your time together doesn’t overwhelm them with such actions.
Ensuring your loved one is still loved and part of the family is most important.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a form of arthritis and you are unsure how to help them with the pain and management, contact us. Accessible caregivers can help you find resources, therapy, and other management options for you and your loved one.
Help contribute to CAA RESEARCHIntroducing the cAPPricorn-1 clinical trial for people living with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)cAPPricorn-1 is researching an investigational medication called mivelsiran to see if it could be safe and effective. Participating in this trial may be an opportunity to contribute to CAA research.WHO CAN JOIN?Participants with sporadic CAA: 50 years of age or older Have received a diagnosis of CAA from their doctor Participants with Dutch-type CAA: 30 years of age or older Have a known gene mutation for Dutch-type CAA Additional criteria will be assessed by the study team to determine your eligibility.For more information, visit www.AqualaneResearch.com or reach out to the study team: Aqualane Clinical Research 3200 Bailey Ln, Suite 250, Naples FL 34105 (239) 529 - 6780
By Sarah RichardThe calm ocean waves along the shore of our beloved Southwest Florida beaches are a sight that stirs the soul its a reminder of the peace and tranquility that makes our region feel like home. Its even apparent where the Caloosahatchee meets the Gulf, the two waterways connecting and forming an even greater world of life. Similar to life, the beloved river doesnt just form a straight line it spreads throughout neighborhoods, dipping into creeks and canals. In a way, water is an art form. Take Southwest Florida, for example. Just like the Caloosahatchee, art flows through our region in so many ways, from murals depicting the areas history, to weekly art walks in beautiful downtown Fort Myers. The art that surrounds us and the virtuosos holding the paintbrushes deserves a chance in the spotlight.Art galleries are just one of many ways to celebrate and pay respect to the talented artists that flood Southwest Florida. Presented by Gulf Coast Village and the North Fort Myers Arts Association (NFMAA), the Gulf Coast Gallery, serves to connect artists and community members through rotating art exhibits. Its upcoming installation, The Essence of Water, will celebrate water in all of its forms calm, powerful and lifegiving. The exhibit launches on Wednesday, Aug. 13, and features Jasmine, owner of Jasmines Art n Designz Studio, an acclaimed artist of more than five decades.Jasmine, a Quebec native, first picked up a paintbrush at the tender age of six and was an award-winning artist throughout her adolescent years. Her artwork could be found hanging in the halls of her primary school, a reflection of her hard work and artistic intelligence. Her love and motivation to continue creating has persevered over the last several decades, even when taking a decade-long hiatus to live in Haiti as a missionary, where she met and adopted her daughter. Her time in the Caribbean inspired her to dive deeper into her passion for art, but also to further explore her philanthropic side.I dont want my art to just be some pretty pictures on a canvas, said Jasmine. With every purchase made through her studio, 5% of proceeds are donated directly to impoverished children through her connections with missionaries across the world, including those in South America, the Middle East, Haiti and more. Wherever help is needed, Jasmine wants to provide it. And what better way than to connect her two passions?Art is more than just a passion for Jasmine. Its her life. For more than 30 years, shes been a full-time artist who explores all mediums. She finds the most joy and fulfillment in the creative process, which speaks to her true love for the talent she recognizes as a gift. Her creative process is a journey. Its detailed, but there's a freedom to it that resembles lifes journeys. Jasmine writes poetry to go with each work of art sometimes the poem is written before the art is created, or the art comes first. It all depends on where the process takes her. The same applies to the medium she chooses and the amount of time it takes her to complete a project. Her varied process results in artwork that covers all aspects of life, from nature and water to portraits and real-life scenes. Jasmine describes her work as eclectic, soulful and emotional. Through each piece, she invites the viewer on a personal journey, one that she hopes will stir and spark a meaningful connection.I hope that people feel seen when they see my art, shared Jasmine. I want people to feel inspired. Everyone has different successes, different failures and different memories, and my deepest desire is that when they stand in front of my art, one of those pieces will stir a feeling inside of them and make them happy.Jasmine will be displaying several paintings at The Essence of Water this August, some of which will be available for purchase. Attendees can enjoy wine, cheese and the beautiful artwork that Jasmine, the NFMAA and Gulf Coast Village resident artists have created. The exhibits grand opening is from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, at Gulf Coast Village, located at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral. The exhibit will be available to view from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 28.To register for The Essence of Water, visit GulfCoastVillage.org/Event/Artist-Meet-and-Greet-The-Essence-of-Water-Art-Exhibit. To view Jasmines artwork, visit JasminesArtNDesignz.com.About the author Sarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community. Visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712 to learn more.
Accessible Home Health Care of Naples, Florida, is a Joint Commission accredited agency dedicated to providing high-quality in-home health care services for seniors and individuals with memory loss in Naples and surrounding areas. Our compassionate caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with daily tasks, provide companionship, and improve the quality of life for our clients. Whether you need hourly visits, live-in caregivers, or customized home care, our team will work with you to create a plan that fits your family's needs and budget. Contact us today to find the perfect caregiver for your loved one and enjoy peace of mind knowing they are in good hands.In addition to our standard in-home health care services, Accessible Home Health Care of Naples offers specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss. We understand the challenges these conditions present and are committed to providing the highest level of care to ensure our clients' comfort and well-being. Our caregivers are trained and certified to assist with tasks that may become difficult for individuals with memory loss, such as bathing, running errands, and cooking. We also offer in-home companion care to prevent loneliness and provide engaging conversation, as well as respite care for family caregivers who need support. With Accessible Home Health Care of Naples, you can rest assured that your loved one is receiving the personalized care they deserve.
Accessible Home Health Care of Naples, Florida, is a Joint Commission accredited agency dedicated to providing high-quality in-home health care services for seniors and individuals with memory loss in Naples and surrounding areas. Our compassionate caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with daily tasks, provide companionship, and improve the quality of life for our clients. Whether you need hourly visits, live-in caregivers, or customized home care, our team will work with you to create a plan that fits your family's needs and budget. Contact us today to find the perfect caregiver for your loved one and enjoy peace of mind knowing they are in good hands.In addition to our standard in-home health care services, Accessible Home Health Care of Naples offers specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss. We understand the challenges these conditions present and are committed to providing the highest level of care to ensure our clients' comfort and well-being. Our caregivers are trained and certified to assist with tasks that may become difficult for individuals with memory loss, such as bathing, running errands, and cooking. We also offer in-home companion care to prevent loneliness and provide engaging conversation, as well as respite care for family caregivers who need support. With Accessible Home Health Care of Naples, you can rest assured that your loved one is receiving the personalized care they deserve.