Arthritis is a leading cause of work disability in the United States, costing upwards of $303.5 billion in lost wages and medical costs per year. In this article, Ability Central addresses your long-term care and support questions for people with arthritis, including the following:

• Where can I find service providers for arthritis?
• Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover arthritis?
• How much does it cost per year to manage arthritis symptoms?
• What medical and financial aid programs assist people with arthritis in the US?
• What mental health issues often accompany arthritis?
• When should I consider an assisted living home for arthritis and how do I find one?
• What support groups are available for people with arthritis and their loved ones?
• Where can I get more information about arthritis?

Where can I find service providers for arthritis?

Ability Central’s Service Locator tool is a comprehensive database that allows you to search a wide range of nonprofit services throughout the United States. Each provider lists their location, specialties, and target demographic. It’s an excellent first step in connecting with the help you need. 

Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover arthritis?

It is not uncommon for people with arthritis to find their symptoms make work difficult. Depending on their career, some people must change their job responsibilities as their symptoms progress. In severe cases, people with arthritis may not be able to work at all.

Because of this, people with arthritis are at risk for discrimination in the workplace. Luckily, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities’ right to work, travel, and use public services.

After receiving an arthritis diagnosis, and especially if your symptoms are severe, the Arthritis Foundation suggests keeping an activity log that details your job requirements and how arthritis impacts your ability to perform. From there, you can work with your employer to request reasonable accommodations.

The Arthritis Foundation offers helpful guidelines for this conversation with your employer. When in doubt, contact an employment lawyer or an advisor who specializes in ADA considerations. 

How much does it cost per year to manage arthritis symptoms?

The annual cost of treating arthritis is staggering. For osteoarthritis, the cost of care averages $11,052 per year. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) carries an even higher price tag, with an average annual cost of $31,561 for fully insured patients and $33,753 for self-insured. As much as 70% of these costs can be attributed to medication alone. 

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the average adult with arthritis suffers an additional $4,040 in lost wages per year, with a total annual cost of $303.5 billion per year between medical expenses and lost wages.

What medical and financial aid programs assist people with arthritis in the United States?

Arthritis care can be expensive, but there are ways to offset the costs. When looking for medical coverage for someone with arthritis, consider the following government-sponsored options: 

• Medicare covers people with permanent disabilities and those 65 years old or older.
• Medicaid covers people with disabilities who have lower incomes.
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) may also assist those who qualify.
• Medigap insurance supplements Medicare coverage with an additional private insurance policy.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides people younger than 65 with Social Security disability payments if they cannot work. 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) guarantees a minimum monthly income for people aged 65 or older who are disabled and have minimal financial means. 
• Veteran’s Affairs (VA) provides health care benefits for veterans who have actively served in the military.

What mental health issues often accompany arthritis?

Arthritis often causes daily physical pain, making people feel less like themselves. In addition, it can cause disfigured joints, swelling, and a low-grade fever. Certain types, like rheumatoid arthritis, come with extreme fatigue or other concerning symptoms that can get much worse during a “flare.”

These symptoms and more can have a heavy impact on someone’s daily life. Many people with arthritis need daily help with tasks they used to be able to accomplish alone. 

Arthritis itself and the implications of losing independence can lead to mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.

A combination of professional mental health care, support groups, and support through nonprofits specializing in arthritis care may help.

When should I consider an assisted living home for arthritis and how do I find one? 

As arthritis advances, more assistance may be necessary to complete daily tasks. Medical professionals like in-home nurses and assistants can help someone with arthritis stay independent and self-sufficient for as long as possible. 

While some family members may choose to act as caretakers for a loved one with arthritis, other people do not have this option. If arthritis symptoms get severe enough, it might be time to consider an assisted living facility. 

Many people with arthritis choose professional care services if:

• Their symptoms are so severe they can no longer care for themselves.
• They have extremely limited mobility. 
• The physical and emotional cost of at-home care outweighs the financial cost of an assisted living community.

Assisted living homes can provide:

• Balanced meals without the need to cook.
• Medication management.
• Accessible housing, dining, and socializing spaces.
• Physical and occupation therapy.
• On-call emergency services.
• A community of neighbors who understand what it’s like to live with disabling symptoms.

A Place for Mom is a great resource to better understand your options. Their free system connects people with assisted living advisors, experts who can create a personalized list of communities, provide tours, and help families make the best care decisions. 

What support groups are available for people with arthritis and their caregivers?

In addition to mental health specialists, support groups can help both people who have arthritis and their support team. Options are available both online and by phone:

• The Arthritis Foundation offers Live Yes! Connect Groups on a variety of topics. Check out the full list online.
• The Mighty offers support groups for specific forms of arthritis as well as for caregivers.
• Healing Well has a chat forum specifically for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Hosted on Facebook, StandUp2OA is a support group for people with osteoarthritis and their families.

Where can I get more information about arthritis?

Ability Central offers a series of articles to further your knowledge about arthritis. See:

• Understanding Arthritis: Causes, Types, and Risk Factors 
• How to Recognize the First Signs of Arthritis
• What To Do First After an Arthritis Diagnosis