The first thing that comes to mind when most people think of psoriasis is the dry, tight, uncomfortable patches of skin that occur during a flare-up. As a family caregiver, however, it is important to understand that there are other conditions related to this disease that can further impact your parent’s health, well-being, and quality of life. One such condition is psoriatic arthritis. This condition can lead to debilitating pain and swelling that might negatively impact your parent’s function and lifestyle.

Some things that you should know about psoriatic arthritis include:

• Approximately 30 percent of people who are living with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.

• Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis, meaning that it leads to inflammation and swelling in the joints.

• Psoriatic arthritis can lead to changes in the fingernails and toenails.

• Psoriatic arthritis can cause fatigue, making your parent feel tired and as though they do not have enough energy to handle the tasks that they need to on a daily basis.

• Studies show that not seeking out the proper treatment for psoriatic arthritis for as short a period as six months can result in permanent damage of the joints.

• In 85 percent of cases, the diagnosis of psoriasis comes before the person develops psoriatic arthritis. This makes it critical that if your parent is living with psoriasis they stay aware of their body’s condition and alert their doctor to any changes such as aches, pains, or swelling so that they can get on the proper course of management and treatment for their individual needs.

Starting elder care for your aging loved one can be one of the best ways for you to ensure that they get all of the care that they need while also encouraging them to pursue a high quality of life as they age in place. An elderly home care services provider can be there with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that their needs are met and their individual challenges and limitations are addressed in the way that is right for them. By being with them when they most need them to be, this care provider can ensure that you are able to remain as directly involved in their care as you can be while filling care gaps and supporting your parent’s ongoing independence and autonomy. There are many ways that this care provider can do this. Safe and reliable transportation ensure that your parent is able to go to the places they want to go and do the things that they want to do without relying on you. Assistance with activities of daily living and personal care tasks save time and energy and help your loved one accomplish the things that they need to for a safe, clean, healthy home and body. Highly personalized services mean that your parent will get exactly what they need, when they need it for the best quality of life possible throughout their later years.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20233899
http://blog.arthritis.org/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-psoriasis/
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis
http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/psoriatic-arthritis/self-care.php

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Professional Elder Care in Boynton Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff at Assisting Hands Home Care at 561­-829­-3080 Today.