Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Live-in Carers make the perfect companion who will support your daily activities and enable you to live life the way you want to. This is particularly important for the mental health of people living with rheumatoid arthritis. Live-in Carers are trained to administer medication and can take you, your relative or friend to their medical appointments as well as shopping and social events.

In our previous article we promised to provide you with more details about rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of this type of arthritis appear more frequently in autumn and winter. This could be due to the body’s reaction to cold weather. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may need help during this time as tasks such as putting on clothes and shoes, and handling objects can become painful and tricky.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a rare condition, but can affect people as young as 30. We looked at the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis on the NHS website which is a wonderful source of information for everyone who wants to know more about this condition.

The most common signs of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to the ones shown during osteoarthritis - painful and swollen joints. The difference is that during rheumatoid arthritis the joints become affected because the body's immune system attack them. Medical professionals call this process an autoimmune condition but cannot yet identify what triggers this.

Medical experts confirm there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but getting diagnosed and starting to receive treatment sooner rather than later can help with managing the symptoms of this condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be life changing for some. People may experience pain and stiffness, and depending how uncomfortable they are, it may become challenging to carry out simple daily tasks. One of the major factors in managing rheumatoid arthritis is self care. This often gets neglected because of the mobility difficulties people with this condition experience. It is easier to continue looking after your health and wellbeing when supported by a Live in Carer who can remove the obstacles which painful conditions can present.

Another important factor is to take your medicine regularly and as instructed. It is natural to think that it is ok to stop taking medicine when the condition feels improved. Yet, following the prescription, medicine can prevent flare-ups and, in some cases, reduce the risk of further problems. Your Live-in Carer will always remind you about your medicine plan.

If you have any questions or concerns about the medicine, you should discuss it with a healthcare professional, and your Living in Carer support you during your enquiry.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition. The symptoms and the way you feel should be reviewed on a regular basis. During these reviews, your conditions will be checked and your treatment will be assessed.

Quite often people with rheumatoid arthritis feel like staying indoors, and can miss their assessment. This will not happen if they have a Live-in 24 hour Carer to support them and encourage them to make the right choices.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet are both extremely important for all of us, but especially for those with long-term conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercises keep your joints mobile and strengthen the muscles that support these joints. It is likely you will loose weight when exercising regularly, so your joints will be less strained.

Low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming, are ideal for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

It is vital for people with rheumatoid arthritis to find a balance between rest and exercise. Rest feels more comfortable for painful joints. But if you do not move them, they will become stiff and eventually more painful.

Live-in Care at home can be the perfect solution for anyone suffering from this condition. Our Live-in Carers have the right training to support people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and can help you say independent, living in the comfort of your own home, which is a great alternative to care home. Contact our friendly expert team on 01264 319399.