5 signs that it could be time to get some additional support…

Arthritis is one of those conditions that can quietly creep into everyday life. At first, it might just be a bit of stiffness in the morning or the odd ache when the weather turns cold. Over time, though, it can begin to affect almost every aspect of daily living, from getting dressed to making a cup of tea.

If someone you love is living with arthritis, it can be hard to know when coping turns into struggling. Many people do not want to admit they need help, and others simply adapt without realising how much their quality of life has slipped.

Here are five common signs that a loved one with arthritis may need additional care, along with why early support can make such a difference.

#1. Everyday tasks are becoming a real struggle

One of the clearest signs is difficulty with routine daily activities. Arthritis can make even simple movements painful or exhausting, especially in the hands, knees, hips, or shoulders.

You might notice they are struggling with things like:

• Buttoning clothes or fastening zips
• Standing up from a chair or getting out of bed
• Cooking meals or carrying shopping
• Bathing, showering, or using the toilet safely

If tasks that were once second nature now take much longer, or are being avoided altogether, it is often a sign that extra support is needed. Practical help at the right time can reduce frustration, preserve independence, and prevent accidents.

Read more: How to stay healthy as you age

#2. They are avoiding activities they once enjoyed

Arthritis does not just affect the body. It can slowly shrink someone’s world. Pain, stiffness, and fatigue often lead people to cut back on hobbies, social events, and even short trips out of the house.

Perhaps they have stopped:

• Going for walks
• Meeting friends
• Gardening
• Attending clubs or family gatherings

This withdrawal is sometimes brushed off as just getting older, but it is often a coping mechanism to avoid pain or embarrassment. Additional care can help by supporting mobility, managing discomfort, and encouraging gentle activity that keeps both body and mind engaged.

#3. Pain and stiffness are poorly managed

Living with constant pain can be draining, both physically and emotionally. If your loved one’s arthritis pain seems to be getting worse, or they are relying heavily on painkillers without much relief, it may be time to consider extra help.

Warning signs include:

• Complaining of pain most days
• Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
• Missing medication doses or taking them incorrectly
• Becoming irritable or low in mood

A trained carer can help with medication reminders, pain management routines, and monitoring symptoms. Working alongside healthcare professionals, they can help ensure pain is managed as effectively and safely as possible.

#4. Their home environment is becoming unsafe

Arthritis increases the risk of falls, especially when joints are stiff or painful. If your loved one is moving more slowly or unsteadily, their home may no longer be as safe as it once was.

• Things to watch out for include:
• Holding onto furniture to walk around
• Avoiding stairs or struggling with them
• Bruises or minor injuries that they cannot quite explain
• Fear of falling, even if it has not happened yet

Additional care does not just mean hands-on help. It can also involve assessing the home environment, suggesting small changes, and providing reassurance. These adjustments can make a big difference in helping someone feel confident and secure in their own space.

#5. Their emotional wellbeing is declining

Arthritis is a long-term condition, and the emotional impact is often overlooked. Loss of independence, ongoing pain, and reduced mobility can all contribute to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or depression.

You might notice:

• Low mood or tearfulness
• Loss of confidence
• Increased loneliness
• Resistance to asking for help

This is where compassionate, consistent care can be invaluable. Having someone there regularly does not just support physical needs. It also provides companionship, reassurance, and a sense that they are not facing everything alone.

Why additional care can make a positive difference

Needing extra care is not a failure, and it does not mean giving up independence. In many cases, the opposite is true. The right support can help someone with arthritis stay in their own home longer, remain active, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Professional carers understand the challenges arthritis brings and can tailor support to individual needs, whether that is help for a few hours a week or more comprehensive daily care. Many families find peace of mind knowing their loved one is supported by people who genuinely understand the condition.

If you are exploring specialist options, it can be reassuring to know that Mountbatton Care is an established arthritis care specialist that offers bespoke support designed specifically for people living with arthritis.

Is now the right time to consider additional care for a loved one with arthritis

Spotting the signs that a loved one may need additional care is not always easy, especially when changes happen gradually. Trust your instincts. If you are feeling concerned, it is usually for a reason.

Starting the conversation early allows your loved one to be involved in decisions about their care, rather than feeling it is being imposed later during a crisis. With the right support in place, living with arthritis does not have to mean losing comfort, dignity, or independence. It simply means adapting in a way that puts their wellbeing first.