Gout is a painful, severe type of arthritis. It causes joint inflammation, stiffness, and varying levels of pain. Many elderly men have this condition. However, women can have it, as well. If your elderly loved one suffers from gout, there are some things that can help them to feel somewhat better. It is also important to know that home health care providers can help with gout care for your elderly loved one, too.
Giving Medication Reminders
One of the treatments for gout is medication. After your elderly loved one is diagnosed with gout, it is very likely they will be prescribed medications by their doctor. In order for your elderly loved one to properly manage this condition, they should take their medications exactly as prescribed. The problem is that many elderly people will forget to take medications. If you think your elderly loved one is going to forget to take their gout medication, you can hire home health care providers to give them medication reminders.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Another type of treatment that often helps gout patients to feel a bit better is hot and cold therapy. Applying heating pads or ice packs to the inflamed joints can help to reduce pain. Even though your elderly loved one might know this, they may forget to use this basic treatment option. However, if your elderly loved one has home health care providers around often, they can remind them to use hot and cold therapies.
Joint Elevation
Your elderly loved one might also benefit from elevating their inflamed joints. Research shows that elevating joints can increase blood flow throughout the area and take pressure off from the affected joint. If your elderly loved one is suffering from severe pain, they should elevate their joints throughout the day to help ease some of their pain. If needed, you or home health care providers can help your loved one elevate their joints by placing an incline mattress under the affected joint.
Low-Fat Diet
There are certain foods that can aggravate gout. This is because many foods can cause increased inflammation in the body. The increased inflammation will only make the pain associated with gout worse. To help your elderly loved one reduce their pain, you and home health care providers can help them create a low-fat meal plan every week.
Conclusion
These are some of the many ways that home health care providers can help your elderly loved one if they have gout. If you have further questions about how these providers can help, reach out to a home health care agency today.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home health care in Westshore, FL, please contact the caring staff at R.B. Home Health Services, Inc today. 305-220-6309
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324972