For Caregivers Helping a Parent with Joint Pain

Your Situation

You’re watching someone you love struggle, and it’s one of the hardest things you’ve ever done. Maybe it’s your mother wincing when she stands up, or your father who stopped going to his weekly card game because the walk hurts too much. The person who always seemed invincible is suddenly fragile.

You want to help, but the healthcare system feels like a maze. Your parent’s doctor mentions surgery, but that seems extreme. You’ve heard about injections and physical therapy, but you’re not sure what’s covered by Medicare or what actually works. And getting your parent to even discuss options? That’s a challenge of its own.

Meanwhile, you’re juggling your own life—work, maybe your own family, possibly your own health concerns. Finding time to research treatment options and attend appointments feels impossible.

You’re not alone in this. Millions of adult children navigate these exact decisions every day. And with the right information, you can help your parent find relief without unnecessary procedures or financial stress.

Common Questions

“How do I talk to my parent about treatment?” Start by focusing on what they want to keep doing—visiting grandchildren, maintaining their home, staying social. Frame treatment as a way to preserve those activities, not as admitting defeat. Many seniors respond better to “staying independent” than “treating your condition.”

“What should we ask the doctor?” Bring a list. Key questions include: What are all our treatment options? What does Medicare cover? What are the risks of waiting? Can we try less invasive options first? How long is recovery? What success rate do you see with this treatment?

“How do I know if a treatment is legitimate?” Look for treatments backed by research and covered by Medicare (which vets treatments before approving coverage). Be cautious of providers who push expensive cash-pay treatments without discussing covered options first.

“Can I be involved in appointments?” Yes, and you should be when possible. Ask your parent to add you to their HIPAA authorization so providers can discuss care with you. Many practices offer telehealth options where you can join remotely.

Next Steps

Here’s how to move forward effectively:

1. Download our caregiver guide - A printable resource with questions to ask and factors to consider
2. Review Medicare coverage - Understand what your parent’s plan covers before the appointment
3. Identify specialists in their area - Look for providers experienced with senior patients
4. Start the conversation - Use our talking points to discuss options with your parent

Resources For You

We’ve created resources specifically for family members helping loved ones with joint pain:

• Caregiver’s Guide to Joint Treatment: Everything you need to know to support your parent’s care
• Medicare Coverage Checklist: Quick reference for what’s typically covered
• Questions for the Doctor: Printable list to bring to appointments
• How to Talk to Your Parent: Communication tips from healthcare professionals
• Local Provider Finder: Find qualified specialists accepting Medicare

Your parent is lucky to have you advocating for them. With good information and the right care team, you can help them find relief and maintain the independence that matters so much to both of you.