According to the Arthritis Foundation, Arthritis is a disease that affects more than 50 million Americans making it the number one cause of disability in the nation. In addition, osteoarthritis is the most frequent cause of physical disability in older adults affecting both men and women. 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that develops gradually and worsens over time. As your cartilage deteriorates, your bones will rub together at the joint, eventually causing stiffness, loss of motion, and chronic pain. The severity of the pain and the loss of motion can make it difficult to perform simple daily tasks. Although there is currently no cure for arthritis, there are things that can help slow the progression, such as medication, therapy, and a healthy lifestyle. Another excellent option for your aging loved one is professional home care services. 

Activities of daily living can become complicated for our aging loved ones who live alone. It may start with the inability to care for things around the house. For example, bending to lift something or light housekeeping and laundry may become challenging. Even a trip to the grocery store can be a daunting task. In addition, personal care can become problematic as they struggle with buttons and zippers or putting on shoes. Relying on professional home care services can help those suffering from arthritis stay independent in their home but allow them the help they need with these daily tasks. 

Arthritis pain and loss of motion can be difficult for our loved ones to accept. Seniors who have difficulty performing certain functions without pain can start feeling depressed, anxious, and even agitated. Unfortunately, the Arthritis Foundation also states that 1/3 of adults with arthritis age 45 and older also have either anxiety or depression. Having experienced home care professionals available to help can offer an emotional boost that can be what they need to get through the day. While emotional encouragement and support won’t reduce inflammation and stress on joints affected by arthritis, being optimistic can keep somebody from withdrawing and avoiding other activities.  

While it is vital to manage this condition through regular doctor visits and a healthy lifestyle, having the help they need from a caregiver can aid your loved ones with daily living and increase their quality of life. 

In addition, Veterans and surviving spouses with limited income may be eligible for the Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit, which can help offset the cost of home care services. Surviving spouses of Veterans may also qualify for this benefit.

Veterans Care Coordination’s mission is to make it easier for Veterans and surviving spouses to age at home. We do this by partnering with quality home care providers to help navigate the VA’s application process for pension funds, maximize the VA pension funds, get care started as quickly as possible, and assist in managing the benefit for as long as needed.

Posted in Care for Aging Veterans

About Kyle Laramie, Founder & CEO

Kyle founded Veterans Care Coordination in April 2011. As its founder and CEO of VCC, Kyle is driven by the memory of his grandfather, a World War II Veteran who unnecessarily missed out on essential VA benefits because Kyle’s family wasn’t aware of available opportunities. In recognition of his impact in leadership, Kyle was named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list and St. Louis Small Business Monthly’s “100 St. Louisans to Know” in 2014. VCC was named a St. Louis Small Business Monthly “Top 20” small business and a finalist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch Top Workplace (2015-2022), St. Louis Business Journal Best Place to Work (2019 & 2022), and the Arcus Awards (2014). The team has served more than 14,000 Veteran clients and their families. Kyle frequently speaks on Veterans’ benefits, addressing conferences such as the Home Care Association of America and Decision Health. He is passionate about giving back and has built a charitable-minded organization that supports various philanthropic efforts.