Weather can have a huge impact on arthritis pain. Most people know that when it comes to cold weather, but warmer temperatures can also affect arthritis pain. Here are some things to keep in mind for your senior.
Hydration Is Key
Drinking enough water is vital for your senior no matter what, but it’s especially important during hot weather. It can help with arthritis pain, too, because it can help to keep joints and muscles hydrated. If your senior is experiencing swelling, sometimes that can be due to not having enough water to help keep waste and fluids moving throughout the entire body. Talk to your senior’s doctor about how much water is right for her.
Air Conditioners and Fans Can Help
Fans and air conditioners are definitely a must during hot weather, but your senior might need to use them wisely. Make sure that her fans, particularly ceiling fans, are set to properly circulate cooled air. Box fans and other portable fans placed near a vent can help to move cooled air more rapidly through the room. If your elderly family member is reluctant to use the air conditioning because of the cost, you might want to encourage her to test whether the AC helps her to feel better. You might need to compromise.
Double Check Humidity Levels
It might not be the heat, but the humidity instead that is causing the biggest problems for your senior. Get an inexpensive home thermometer that also includes a humidity measurement. These can help you to see very quickly whether humidity might be a bigger cause of pain for your senior. Air conditioners remove some of the humidity from the air, but not all of it. You might also want to try using a dehumidifier to see if that helps some.
Movement Really Does Help
Your senior might not want to hear this, but as long as her doctor has said that she’s okay to exercise, movement really can help with her joint pain. It strengthens the muscles around her joints and helps to support the joints that are having trouble. Exercise also helps to lubricate her joints, which helps them to move more freely. All of that combined can lead to reduced pain levels.
Your senior might need some additional support if she experiences loss of mobility due to her arthritis pain. Senior care providers can be there for her to offer a helping hand and they can let you know if they see safety concerns.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN ZEBULON, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.