Family Caregiver Education Series: Assisting Loved Ones with Arthritis

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Submitted by Home Instead Senior Care

Home Instead Senior Care Supports Family Caregivers while they support their loved ones with arthritis.

Home Instead Parkinsons ProgramKC2May is arthritis awareness month so it only seems fitting that Home Instead Senior Care and Olympics West Retirement Inn is discussing arthritis at this month’s family caregiver education program.

Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that affect the joints, the place where two or more bones meet to allow movement. In some types of arthritis, other parts of the body like organs, eyes and skin may also be affected.

“Many of us either have some form of arthritis, will have it eventually, or know someone suffering from some form of it,” said Kelly Cavenah, co-owner of Home Instead Senior Care serving the South Puget Sound.  “Eleven years ago I was diagnosed with arthritis in my spine and in both knees; today, I have advanced deterioration in my knee joints, little to no cartilage and have chronic daily pain associated with the disease.”

There are nearly 100 different types of arthritis affecting some 50 million people in the United States. These conditions commonly impact one’s mobility, the ability to move freely without pain. They also can limit a person’s ability to do everyday tasks, such as brushing hair, buttoning a coat, walking to the mailbox or opening the refrigerator door.

Kelly also said, “I have considered myself a part-time athlete and active person for most of my life.  I am a road cycler, play roller derby, hike, and spend a lot of time outside.  As a youth, I was an avid downhill skier and soccer player and played tennis as a young adult.  Until very recently, I felt as though I was invincible; so injuries were no big deal; however, I never let myself heal the proper way after an athletic injury which, has caused me great pain and multiple subsequent injuries.  I’m only 36; I can’t imagine what life is going to be like when I turn 86.”

Nearly half of Americans over age 65 suffer from the pain, physical limitations and resulting depression this debilitating disease can cause. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis and related conditions. “As a family caregiver or supporting someone with arthritis, the more people know about these conditions, the better equipped they will be to deal with the daily living issues their family members or friends may face.” said Stacy Johnson, Assistant Administrator at Olympics West Retirement Inn.

The range of physical challenges from arthritis can be extensive: The person may have difficulty walking, trouble with household tasks like opening jars and turning doorknobs, or even problems with dressing and combing his or her hair. And pain may make sleep hard to come by.

Senior struggling with jar_4 (2)However, there are ways you can help ease physical restraints and discomforts and Home Instead Senior Care and Olympics West Retirement Inn is hoping the family caregiver education series will help provide more education, support and tools to the community.

“The family caregiver education series is a great, fun, easy way to learn more about topics important to the public.  Each program is informative, supportive, comfortable and non-intimidating; plus, it’s at a great community and we have refreshments available right after work,” said Stacy.

There will be information about the many types of arthritis, how to recognize the various types, symptoms and treatments available, get tips for how to navigate medical care, understand the physical and emotional needs of a senior with arthritis and learn where to go for help.

“As a younger person, I have the advantage of time on my side; though I can’t fix what I’ve done to exacerbate my arthritis, there are things I can do to stave off pain and potentially prevent re-injury, and, our class will be covering all these things, and more.”  Cavenah stated.

You’ll also learn about the medical professionals who treat arthritis, and the most commonly ordered tests. There’s a brief overview of pain relief options, including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, lifestyle changes, surgical options and alternative therapies.

“Because May is arthritis awareness month, we’re enthusiastic to be able to bring this program to the community.  Everyone is welcome to attend as we discuss the myths and facts surrounding the various conditions associated with this commonly known yet misunderstood condition.  We’re looking forward to a great turnout this month,” Johnson said.

This program is for anyone who is an unpaid caregiver or support member caring for an elderly person be it a parent, other relative or friend.  This program is scheduled on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 from 5:30-6:30PM at Olympics West Retirement Inn located at 929 Trosper Road SW, Tumwater, WA.  Call Stacy Johnson To RSVP:  (360) 943-9900 or go to their online registration page here.

There is no cost to attend is the program is specifically designed for the unpaid family caregiver.

To learn more about Home Instead Senior Care and their 2015 Family Caregiver Education Series, check them out on Facebook.  You may also review our Monthly Events Calendar here on ThurstonTalk for additional details and how to sign up.

senior nutrition HISCHome Instead Senior Care and Olympics West Retirement Inn, serving the greater South Puget Sound region, are offering a monthly family caregiver education programs for unpaid family caregivers.   This education series is designed to support the family caregiver and will feature relevant issues such as sibling communication, seniors and nutrition, navigating the senior care maze, and seniors and cognitive issues.  Each class is held at Olympics West Retirement Inn, on the fourth Wednesday of every month and is just one hour in length, unless otherwise specified.  Light refreshments are always served with easy access into and out of the building with plenty of parking.

About Home Instead Senior Care

Your local Home Instead Senior Care agency was founded in 2007 with mission to serve seniors and employ Certified Nurse Assistants & Home Care Aides across the South Puget Sound community.  At Home Instead Senior Care, it’s relationship before task, while continuing to provide superior quality service that enhances the lives of seniors everywhere. With a great staff and round the clock availability, they focus on quality over quantity.  Read more about Home Instead Senior Care by clicking here.

About Olympics West Retirement Inn

The Olympics West Senior Living campus is conveniently located near malls, shopping, banking and more. A JEA Senior Living community, Olympics West offers both retirement and assisted living.

Olympics West Assisted Living boast compassionate staff and 24 hour licensed nursing.  Read more about Olympics West Retirement Inn by clicking here.

 

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