Changes in temperature could exacerbate joint pain and swelling. It’s important for aging adults to stay active and keep the joints in good health. Here are some of the things your senior loved one can do to alleviate joint pain in the winter.
1. Pay Attention to Surroundings
Your loved one needs to watch where he or she is going every day, but it is more crucial during the winter months when sidewalks are slippery from ice and snow. Walking on slippery sidewalks increases the risk of falling, which could cause your loved one’s joints to wear out more, leading to severe joint pain. Paying attention to surroundings is one way to prevent slips and falls. Your loved one should also wear sturdy shoes and take small steps.
Hiring a professional caregiver is another way to help your elderly loved one reduce joint pain and maintain a high quality of life. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
2. Exercise Indoors
Yoga, aerobics, and walking in place are some of the indoor exercises your loved one can do to reduce joint pain in the colder months. Exercise is a good way for seniors to keep blood flowing to their joints, lose weight, and strengthen the muscles around the joints.
While staying indoors, seniors may need assistance with exercise, meal prep, and other tasks. Albuquerque, NM, home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
3. Dress Warmly
Seniors need to keep their core temperature high during the winter months. Therefore, it is important for your loved one to wear gloves, a hat and scarf, and layered clothing when going in and out of the home. Wearing extra layers on the legs can reduce joint pain in the lower joints. By packing on the layers of clothing and accessories, your loved one is protecting his or her hips, knees, and joints from the cold temperature. Purchase socks made with moisture wicking material that can help your loved one’s feet stay warm while pulling away the moisture.
4. Soak in the Tub
Putting warm water on the joints is one of the best ways to alleviate pain in the winter. Family caregivers should also put some Epsom salt in the tub when filling it up. Epsom salt is full of magnesium, which is a mineral that is important for bone health. Your loved one can soak in the morning or at night.
5. Eat Healthy
Most holiday dinners take place during the winter months. During these gatherings, seniors are likely to eat a lot of foods, including unhealthy treats. Help your loved one avoid putting extra weight on his or her joints by providing healthier options for traditional winter treats. The excess weight could put more pressure on the joints, which are already under strain due to aging. If your loved one wants to drink beverages to stay warm, he or she should drink mulled wine. Too much beer could lead to joint pain and weight gain, but mulled wine is a healthy alcoholic beverage that can keep your loved one warm.
If your elderly loved is living with joint pain, provide the support he or she needs to remain comfortable and safe. For many seniors in Albuquerque, NM, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. To learn about our premier elderly care plans, get in touch with our staff at 505-798-0800 today.
