How retirement homes can help residents manage the effects and possible prevention of arthritis

Arthritis is an ailment that affects many seniors as they age. In the U.S. alone, twenty-three percent of all adults – over fifty four million people – suffer from arthritis, according to the CDC. And although arthritis is common, having it does not mean missing out on a full senior living experience. For seniors in retirement homes, there are several ways that joint and chronic pain from arthritis can be managed, including focusing on a structured diet, plenty of activity, and access to proper care.

Healthy, balanced diets are encouraged within retirement homes

Controlling weight gain and eating a healthy diet have long been linked to preventing many ailments as we age. But these factors can have a great impact on joint health. Being just ten pounds overweight can add up to thirty to sixty pounds of force every time you take a step. This extra force can cause strain on joints within the knees, ankles, and feet, which can lead to the deterioration of cartilage – otherwise known as osteoarthritis.

A proper diet can also feed your body the right nutrients, strengthening joints and decreasing inflammation. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like certain fish, can be directly attributed to several health benefits including a reduction in inflammation.

Retirement homes like Ecumenical Retirement Community recognize how vital a proper diet is to the body as we age. This is why the best retirement homes focus on providing nutritious and balanced food options for residents. Knowing that healthy food is being prepared for you or your loved one on a consistent basis can bring much needed peace of mind, another healthy benefit of retirement community living.

Exercise classes, activities, and physical therapy readily available

What’s better to pair with a healthy diet than plenty of exercise? Retirement homes make an active senior living experience easy with access to exercise classes, outdoor activities like walking clubs, and also physical therapy options if more focus on joint health is required. Arthritis can cause severe joint pain, making physical movement difficult. But more serious arthritis diagnoses can be avoided with consistent exercise – and can also have an impact on body weight. By using a trained professional through courses and physical therapy readily available within retirement homes, arthritis symptoms can be treated and managed safely.

Even so, arthritis can prohibit seniors from performing simple daily tasks. Retirement homes like Ecumenical Retirement Community can provide elevated services for personal care or restorative care to help. Through therapy, residents can work to reduce joint stiffness, soreness from joint replacement, chronic pain including arthritis complications, and general muscle strength. These exercises can help residents regain some personal independence once lost to arthritis pain. Personal care in retirement homes is also available for any seniors who need help in day-to-day activities that have become too difficult to manage on their own due to arthritis complications.

Retirement homes have dedicated on-campus health professionals

One of the most important aspects of preventing arthritis and managing joint pain is regular visits to a doctor. For some seniors, living at home on their own or relying on a loved one for transportation may make regular doctor’s appointments more difficult. Consistent doctor’s appointments can help to detect potentially worsening arthritis diagnoses or uncover arthritis warning signs. Seniors in retirement homes like Ecumenical Retirement Community have access to medical staff directly on campus, reducing the amount of travel needed for medical appointments. Having medical professionals on campus that understand your needs in addition to the services available through physical therapy can aid in providing a more holistic approach to arthritis management as well.

Consider retirement homes like Ecumenical Retirement Community

Ecumenical Retirement Community is often considered one of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area’s best retirement communities, thanks in large part to the multiple levels of care and service options we have available. Our community offers residents everything from memory support and restorative care, to independent living options. We also provide all our residents with 24-hour on campus access to medical care, should an emergency arise. Apart from the many services that a typical retirement home offers, we’re able to give our residents a variety of entertainment options ranging from gardening, clubs, exercise classes, transportation to local shops, happy hours, arts and craft classes, and much more. Our campus is designed to provide our residents with the chance to live life fully while enjoying retirement and receiving the care they need.

Our knowledgeable and friendly coworkers are available to provide more information on all of the services and life enriching activities we offer at Ecumenical Retirement Community as well as campus tour information in order to help you make the best decision while researching retirement homes for you or your loved one. We look forward to hearing from you and showing you what our campus has to offer.