CNA Tips for Handling Arthritic Patients

Although arthritis can be quite debilitating for many people, when given the proper care, they can live a much more comfortable life. For patients who have this crippling disease, performing even the most basic tasks can be difficult. As a CNA, this is where you can help! The following useful tips will show you how you can help arthritic patients manage their daily lives.

Learn the Value of Exercise

It is unfortunate that too many arthritic patients let their conditions take over their lives. When this happens, they often become depressed, hopeless, angry or resentful. However, what they may not realize is that arthritis does not need to control them: They can take action to regain their lives, and one way is through daily exercise.

Check your arthritic patients' charts to ensure that they can partake in light exercise. If you find that they do not have any restrictions, plan a daily exercise regime for them. Let them become involved as to what types of exercise they would like to perform. Of course, you will want to choose only low-intensity exercises such as those listed below.

• Light Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises
• Low-Intensity Walking
• Aerobic Swimming
• Yoga and Tai Chi
• Low-Impact Strength Training

Ensure Medication is Taken Properly

Since most arthritic patients rely on various types of medication to relieve their pain, it is essential that you make sure they take their medicine properly and on time. Most medical facilities have specific times allotted for medication administration. However, some patients may need pain relief at other times during the day as well. In these cases, you can help to relieve your patients' pain by using the following methods.

• Joint Relief Creams or Gels
• Warm Towels or Heating Pads
• Warm Baths or Showers
• Ice Packs or Cold Packs

Make Sure Important Items Are Accessible

This tip is especially valuable when caring for patients whose arthritis has advanced into the later stages. For your patients who have severe mobility issues due to arthritis, make sure that any important items they may need are easily accessible to them. This typically includes most, if not all, of the following items.

• Call Buttons
• TV Remote Controls
• Telephones
• Water Glasses and Pitchers
• Scissors for Opening Packages
• Walking Canes, Walkers or Wheel Chairs
• Magazines, Books and Stationary

Show Empathy and Compassion at all Times

Finally, it is of the utmost importance that you show empathy and compassion to your patients at all times. As stated above, arthritic patients can experience a variety of emotions including anxiety, depression, fear, resentment and anger. Trying to understand your patients and offering a listening ear when they need one can go a long way in helping them to cope!

Conclusion

Effective tips for handling arthritic patients include creating an exercise plan, ensuring medicine is taken on time and showing compassion at all times.