May is Arthritis Awareness Month and for a senior who has been dealing with arthritis for many years, they understand how challenging and frustrating it can be. They may have considered certain elder care options in the past, but have tended to rely on their spouse, adult children who live in the area, friends, or even neighbors for help when the pain and symptoms become too much.

Arthritis can affect people in many different ways. The most common things most people think about when the word ‘arthritis’ is mentioned are the hands. When a person has arthritis in the joints of their fingers or wrist, it can affect their ability to do nearly anything.

When arthritis flares up, a person might have difficulty just holding onto a small object, like a pen and imagine them struggling to prepare a meal in the kitchen if they can barely hold onto a fork, let alone a knife.

Imagine trying to move a pan on the stove when your hands are burning in pain. Or, if arthritis is affecting your ankles or knees or hips, just imagine the struggle you might face getting out of bed in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

There are many ways that a senior can get quality elder care support to help them with arthritis. Assisted living is one of the best options and there are three ways that an aging senior can get the support he or she needs at this stage in their life.

1. Experienced staff members on call.

An aging senior who has been dealing with arthritis for many years may be living at home alone. Who can they call late in the evening or in the middle of the night if they simply can’t get out of bed or close the window when the cold air is pressing through?

At assisted living, there are always going to be experienced staff members on call day and night to support these seniors if and when they require it. That’s why it is one of the best elder care options to consider.

2. Short-term stay options.

A lot of people don’t understand that quality assisted living communities may offer short-term respite care options for seniors and their family caregivers. That means an aging senior could stay for a few days, a week, maybe even two weeks for a month without a long-term commitment.

If a family caregiver or support network is going on vacation, taking a business trip, or simply needs a break for themselves, that senior can still have support ready to help in the time of an arthritis flareup.

3. No longer having to worry about general upkeep at home.

A person with severe arthritis will have incredible difficulty using a vacuum, dusting, wiping down shelves, cleaning windows, or even preparing a meal.

Imagine no longer having to worry about these things, but instead being able to focus on what is most important to you at this stage in your life. That’s why an aging senior with arthritis, especially severe arthritis, should consider assisted living, even if it’s just for overnight stays for now.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a move to Assisted Living in Fountain Hills, AZ please contact the caring staff at MD Senior Living today. 480-267-9200