Frequently Asked Questions about Living with Arthritis.

Finding support

How can a person with arthritis get support from friends and family?

The stress of having a chronic illness may make it hard for you to see problems and their solutions as clearly or as positively as you might otherwise see them.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by problems brought on by arthritis, talk with your family and friends. Also, consider seeking outside support from your clergy, family social worker or counseling psychologist. These professionals are trained to help people break problems down into manageable parts, discover ways to solve problems, ease frustrations, and find constructive ways to work through their problems. Arthritis clubs and support groups are another way in which both men and women who have arthritis are able to get the support they need. These groups are helpful because most people find it easier to share their concerns and experiences with other people who have arthritis.

How can a person with arthritis get help with legal issues?

People who have arthritis may need legal help with issues concerning property, estates, trusts and rental rights. They may also need assistance with legal questions about how a family should share financial responsibilities for health care and/or long-term care for a parent or relative.

People who cannot afford a private attorney should contact the following programs: local bar association, legal aid society, local area agency on aging, independent living center, or landlord tenant advisory council. These organizations provide legal advice and/or representation in court for elderly people, low income persons, or people with disabilities.

How can a person with arthritis get help around the house?

Companions or visitors

Homebound people have an additional need for companionship. Without companionship and outside stimuli, the discomfort and pain of arthritis often seem worse. Friends and families may need to become more aware of these problems and realize that there are many ways to fill these needs.

Relatives could help by visiting more often. Families might also check the possibilities of finding a visiting companion. Perhaps there is a person in the neighborhood who would be delighted to visit on a regular basis and would enjoy a few hours of company now and then. Some local chapters of the Arthritis Foundation provide home visits or short-term telephone contact service. The U.S. Post Office has a Postal Services Carrier Emergency Alert Program. Many churches and family social service agencies now offer a "friendly visitor" service. Contact the various organizations mentioned above to learn about the services they offer in your area.

Temporary help

If a family's primary homemaker is temporarily unable to manage the household chores, someone may be needed to take over the cooking, cleaning and child care. Most often, situations like these can be eased with help from a part-time housekeeper.

It may be especially helpful to hire a housekeeper who has had special training in managing a household where someone is ill or recovering from an illness. If medical care is also required, visiting nurses and physical therapists can make home visits with a doctor's request (although restrictions may apply for people on Medicare or Medicaid). Visiting nurses can give medical care and teach the family how to provide care for the homebound person.

Attendant care

Attendants provide personal care, homemaking services and companionship. People who are severely disabled by arthritis and live alone may find it helpful to have a part-time or full-time attendant. An attendant may be hired to stay for several hours each day or to live with the person who has arthritis.

To obtain the services of an attendant, contact home health care agencies, independent living centers or private Health Care contracting companies. (Medicaid and private insurance companies may or may not pay a portion of attendant care fees.)

When contacting an agency either on your own behalf--or as a concerned relative or friend--the guidelines below may be of help:

• write down all your questions before making the call
• be prepared to supply all information about the current situation
• be as specific as you can about the type of services you'll need
• have insurance, Medicare or Medicaid numbers handy
• keep a list of the address and phone number, social security number and birthdate of the person needing the services
• be patient with service providers, but be persistent in obtaining the services you need

How can a person with arthritis get help with recreation?

How can a person with arthritis find help with transportation?

Accessible transportation for senior citizens and people with disabilities is now available in most communities--especially those that receive federal funds for public transportation.

If getting to recreational activities is difficult, the center itself often provides transportation. Or you might just as easily find a neighbor or other group member who would be happy to take you to events. (Perhaps, you could provide a service in return.)

Many communities also provide door-to-door transportation services such as mini-vans or mini-buses that accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and other devices. For more information, contact your public transportation department or local Easter Seals Foundation.

Smaller communities and rural areas that may not furnish public transportation often provide services through their senior centers, hospitals or their local government. People who live in smaller communities should contact their mayor's office or county social services agency for information on local transportation.

How can a person with arthritis find help with housing?

There are a variety of living arrangements for people who may or may not be able to live alone. Some types of housing are only for people with disabilities. Other types are only for the elderly, while some serve both elderly and disabled persons.

For information regarding the type and location of housing options in your area, call or write your local housing authority, local commission or office on aging, independent living center or the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Financial assistance for housing

A government program called "Section Eight Housing" provides rent subsidies to people whose income falls below a certain level. A family's income and household expenses determine whether a person qualifies for this federal assistance program. Subsidy housing is often used by senior citizens or people with disabilities. For further information, contact the local or state housing authority or the regional office of the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Both are listed in the phone book under "United States Government.")

Home improvement

Senior citizens and people with disabilities (who meet certain income requirements) have access to limited home improvement grants and/or loans. Funds can be used for roofing, ramping and insulation. Some volunteer service organizations furnish free labor for home improvements. For more information, contact the local housing authority in your area.

Nursing homes

The majority of elderly people with arthritis can, and do, live independently. But sometimes it becomes necessary to consider placing a family member in a nursing home or a home for the elderly or chronically ill (a residential health care facility). It is important that you and your family discuss nursing home options before any decisions are made-making sure to include the family member who will be entering the nursing home. If uncertain about nursing home decisions, consulting your doctor, social worker, support counselor or clergyman may help ease your family through the many concerns and decisions involved.

There are several types of nursing homes, each offering different levels of care, services and activity programs. To find out about a particular nursing home, visit the facility and also check with one or more of the following:

• information and referral agencies
• local social service agencies
• state and local agencies on aging
• physicians and hospital discharge planners
• social workers or clergymen
• friends or family who have relatives in a nursing home

Family members should continue to be involved with relatives in a nursing home through frequent visits. Ongoing communication with the nursing home staff will help insure a quality environment for the resident.

If a problem arises that cannot be resolved, some communities have a nursing home ombudsman program. An ombudsman is a community volunteer who works with nursing home residents, their families and the nursing home administrator to come up with solutions to their problems. Where available, ombudsmen can be reached through the State Agency on Aging.

What services are available for children with arthritis and their families?

Children who have arthritis often have many of the same concerns about their disease as adults. They also may have problems with school, emotional adjustments, treatment and family issues.

The American Juvenile Arthritis Organization (AJAO) is an advocacy service that works with local chapters of the Arthritis Foundation to help locate needed services. AJAO can help you find out about programs and services for children with arthritis. Federal and state laws protect the rights of all children to receive a public education.

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