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Arthritis is one of the leading causes of pain and disability worldwide, especially for older adults. In the UK, millions of people have arthritis or other similar conditions that cause swelling and pain in the joints. Everyone experiences arthritis pain and symptoms differently depending on their own family history, lifestyle factors and the type of arthritis they have. Here we will answer important questions such as, “what is arthritis pain like?” so that you know the signs and symptoms to look out for when caring for a loved one or managing your own condition. What is arthritis? Arthritis is a common condition that causes swelling and tenderness in a joint. The most common symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness which
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It’s common to feel worried about a loved one as they get older, whether it’s a family member or a neighbour. You may be noticing signs that someone could use extra help with day-to-day tasks and are wondering how you can best support them. It can be difficult to know when a loved one could benefit from extra support. Sometimes, your family members may ask for help or a sudden illness or injury may make it obvious that extra support is needed. However, if you live a distance away, you may need to be diligent to spot the signs that suggest your loved one could use further support. It is also of the utmost importance to remember to not enforce
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As we age, our bodies and minds inevitably go through a natural process of change. A common symptom of these changes among older adults is confusion. Confusion in the elderly can manifest in many different ways and can be caused by various factors. A person might feel confused as the result of medical conditions, medications and environmental factors. It can be a frightening and frustrating experience, not just for the person affected but also for their loved ones and caregivers. It’s important to understand what can cause confusion in older people and how to recognise the signs, so that you can help your loved ones stay independent and improve their quality of life. In this guide, we will explore the
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For people living with physical frailty, there may come a time when they are no longer able to live safely and independently at home without extra support. Performing daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, bathing or dressing can become more challenging over time as a result of frailty. These frailty concerns can make it difficult for someone to safely move around their home and even lead to dangerous slips and falls. Frailty care at home aims to prevent or manage the difficulties associated with frailty so that an individual can enjoy a better quality of life at home. The goal of frailty care is to improve health outcomes and overall well-being for individuals who are at risk of or experiencing
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Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that causes problems in the brain that develop over time. Parkinson’s develops when cells in the brain stop working properly and are lost over time. These brain cells produce a chemical called dopamine. Symptoms start to appear when the brain cannot make enough dopamine to control movement properly. The benefits of exercise Exercise is an important part of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. For people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, regular exercise can be very helpful in preventing or reducing their symptoms as well as help to improve their balance, mobility and coordination. Individuals with Parkinson’s can significantly benefit from maintaining a regular exercise routine, benefits include improved physical health, reduced stress, and
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What is power of attorney? A Power of attorney (POA) gives a trusted person the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of a loved one if they lack the mental capacity at some time in the future or no longer wish to make decisions for themselves. Power of attorney is generally given to a family member or close friend. The nominated person will be able to make decisions regarding the health and care or personal finance-related matters on behalf of their loved one. Starting the conversation If you feel that a loved one would benefit from having a POA, it’s best to start the conversation early – before your loved one’s health starts to decline or when a diagnosis
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