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With Toronto’s COVID restrictions all but gone this summer, the last thing you want is for your arthritis to cause you to cancel all your plans to see friends or explore the city. Unfortunately, arthritis doesn’t always let you have a say. Without a comprehensive management plan, arthritis can prevent seniors from living their life to the fullest.

Forget about visiting the ROM or having a picnic in one of Toronto’s thousand-plus parks. When you’re in the middle of a bad flare, you may even struggle to get out of bed, clean your home, and do numerous other daily tasks.

Arthritis can be overwhelming — both physically and emotionally — but with the right help, you’ll find it easier to handle your illness.

The top home care agencies in Toronto offer insights into how you can manage pain in and out of the home this summer, so you can enjoy the warm weather. From sleeping better to getting a physiotherapist to come to your home, these tips might help you find relief!

1. Talk to Your Doctor About Medication

When arthritis pain interferes with your day, you’ll want to speak with your doctor about an effective drug treatment plan. If you’re already receiving home care in Toronto, you can also discuss this plan with your nurses to ensure everyone is on the same page.

2. Get Help Where You Need It

If you’re struggling to keep on top of daily chores and other important tasks, it may be time to think about getting a Personal Support Worker (PSW) to help you around the house. Compassionate home care PSWs can assist you with light housekeeping and meal preparation, plus many more activities of daily living to protect your independence.

3. Get Active

Physical activity may seem like a counterintuitive treatment for arthritis since getting up and moving around might be the last thing you want to do during a flare-up.

The reality is, study after study shows exercise is one of the best non-drug treatments for managing your symptoms. When done safely, it can improve your flexibility, increase your energy levels, and reduce joint pain. Plus, there’s the added benefit of helping you lose weight, which will reduce the pressure on big joints like the hips, knees, and ankles.

Focus on gentle, low-impact activities like yoga, swimming, walking, and hip exercises for seniors.

4. Try In Home Physiotherapy

If you still aren’t sure how to get fit safely with arthritis, you can find a physiotherapist who concentrates on seniors’ health through services that provide home care in Toronto. These services pair you with a professional who can suggest a routine that improves mobility in the affected joints. Or, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, they can accompany you any time you work out to act as a spotter during your activities.

5. Talk to Someone

Chronic pain and fatigue come with a hefty emotional toll, especially if arthritis makes it hard to be as social as you want to be. It’s normal to feel frustrated, anxious, and depressed over your illness and its impact on your life. But you aren’t alone.

According to the Arthritis Society, one in two seniors in Canada suffers from this condition. That’s every other senior you know! Reach out to friends to see if they’re dealing with similar issues or try joining a support group in-person or online. These connections can help manage the stress of living with arthritis.

Bottom Line

Don’t let arthritis steal your summer of fun. Try out these tips to help manage your symptoms.

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