May is the month to raise awareness about arthritis and educate people on how to adapt. The Arthritis Foundation reports that men and women, aged 18 to 64, have been diagnosed with this condition. This health issue continues to discourage older adults, as some find it hard to participate in the things that bring them joy.
Although there is no cure for arthritis, a Villi Companion can support you by lightening the load of household tasks, planning fun activities, and running errands.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. This disease can affect both children and older adults. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Living Well with Arthritis
Having arthritis doesn’t have to mean losing purpose. Making lifestyle changes can help limit pain and discomfort. Here are some ways:
- Exercise: Implementing low-impact workouts such as walking, yoga, or stretching can help with joint flexibility.
- Relaxation techniques: Journaling, listening to music, and spending time in nature can give your body the rest it needs to recover.
- Heat and cold therapy: According to the Mayo Clinic, taking warm baths and showers and using a heating pad can relieve symptoms temporarily. Using ice packs can ease swelling.
- Balanced meals: Healthy foods that contain antioxidants, such as vegetables, fruits, and lean meats, have anti-inflammatory effects on the joints.
How a Companion Can Help
Arthritis can sometimes interfere with daily life, which is where a Villi Companion can be helpful. A Companion can assist you with household chores and errands, helping to reduce chronic fatigue and joint pain.
A Companion can help support individuals with arthritis in the following ways:
- Provide emotional support: Our Companions are kind-hearted people who can lend a listening ear when you just need someone to talk to.
- Help with errands: A Companion can run errands with you, such as grocery shopping. This can give you a break from having to lift grocery bags.
- Help with socialization: A Companion can plan a walk or watch a movie with you to help ease stress.
- Encourage physical activity: A Companion can join you in doing light exercises to help improve joint function.
Raising Awareness Together
It takes a community to support those with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation provides many resources on arthritis, its treatment plans, and ways people can help. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Become an advocate: Sharing your story matters. It reassures other older adults that they’re not alone.
- Joining a fundraiser: Participating in a fundraiser for adults with arthritis makes a huge difference. Your support helps fund treatment and community events.
Living Your Life in the Way That Suits You
At Villi, we understand the challenges that arthritis brings and can help you and your loved ones find peace and comfort despite those difficulties. On days when fatigue begins to set in, our Companions can take care of your laundry and cleaning and assist you in planning your meals and exercise schedules.
The Villi team is here to help.
Do you need help with a loved one? Then, consider Villi’s homemaker and companionship services. Our team of friendly, compassionate Companions takes great pride in serving people in their community who need light assistance with daily chores, some company and conversation, or convenient transportation for errands, appointments, or trips to the store.
Explore our services to learn more about our:
- Homemaker and companionship services
- Easy-to-use scheduling platform
- “Best Value” service pricing
- Only 1-hour service minimum
Sign up in seconds to enjoy free 24-hour access to our on-demand scheduling platform, where you can view our team of vetted compassionate companions.
If you have questions about our services, please call 1-844-624-5646 to speak to one of our caring service Advisors.
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