Self Help and Home Care for Arthritis

Your physician, particularly the rheumatologist, will be your primary source of information about arthritis. Your local hospital or community health centers and the US Arthritis Foundation are other major sources of health education, information on patient groups, self-help aids and equipment.

Home Care

Your physician or the local arthritis clinic can assist you in obtaining information on receiving care at home. Your doctor may want a physical therapist to show you and your family how to do exercises at home or may want visiting nurses to provide professional nursing care if you are homebound. He can also advise you about where to purchase orthopedic equipment and self-help devices for use at home.

Self Help Equipment

Self-help devices can be purchased, made at home, or adapted for many purposes. The U.S. Arthritis Foundation has published Self-Help Manual for Arthritis Patients, Which includes items related to bed, toilet, bath and shower, grooming, dressing, housing, furnishing your home, safety, kitchen planning, meal preparation and eating aids, sewing and needlework aids, communication and vocational aids, travel and shopping, recreation and leisure time, sources for equipment, helpful agencies and organizations, and where to obtain informational literature.

Getting Older

In many communities special services are available for persons who need assistance of various types. Many centers and clubs offer such organized activities and informal socializing for older persons. You may want to contact your local centre for information on what is currently available in your area.