Arthritis Care  

There’s good news for the 160,000 caregivers in Ireland in the form of Caring Hands, a new support programme for caregivers of people with arthritis – the single biggest cause of disability in Ireland.  Caring Hands has been developed by Arthritis Ireland in association with Home Instead Senior Care to help caregivers learn about arthritis, understand more about its symptoms and realise how they can support someone with arthritis to live a full and independent life.

By participating in a free half day workshop, caregivers will learn about arthritis, what the ‘pain cycle’ is and how to break it, the importance of exercise, and the benefits of relaxation methods.  They will also receive some practical tips on improving communications between the carer and the person being cared for, as well as information on treatments for arthritis, and how to identify medical priorities.  Ultimately, and most importantly they will learn about self management and how to provide help and assistance while enabling the person with arthritis maintain as much mobility, independence and control over their life as possible.

The workshops are practical and informative, and delivered in a relaxed and informal environment.  As such, participants can meet with and learn from others who are caring for those with arthritis. Each workshop is delivered by a team comprised of a trained Home Instead employee and a person living with arthritis.  This ensures that the knowledge received is truly valid in the home care setting.  All participants will receive a full Caregivers Pack to take home which can be referred to time and again. These workshops will take place in 17 locations nationwide over the next 12 months. Early registration is essential as these workshops are likely to prove extremely popular. 

To mark the launch of this pioneering programme, Arthritis Ireland and Home Instead Senior Care have developed an information booklet ‘Caring Hands: Caring for A Person with Arthritis’. 

To request a copy of the booklet, to register for the Caring Hands Workshop or to speak to someone about caring for a person with arthritis contact Arthritis Ireland’s National Arthritis Helpline on LoCall 1890 252 846.