Staying at home and arthritis

Updated: 9 November 2020

Many people are continuing to stay at home to protect themselves or others. People over 70, people who are pregnant, and people with long-term health conditions, such as those who are told to get the flu jab each year by their doctor, should take extra care.

For more detailed information and definitions of the different 'vulnerable' groups read Arthritis and COVID-19 - what are the risks?

Find out more about what you can and can't do during this time on the Gov UK website.

Please note, this guidance applies to England only. People in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should follow the information given below.

• Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland

What can we do?

We know that self-distancing and self-isolation may impact on people’s mood – you might feel low or anxious.

Here’s our advice on what you can do to help each other.

Keep connected

It's likely you will be seeing less of your friends, family and loved ones. Whilst there will be less face to face contact, you can still keep connected with friends, neighbours and loved ones through phone calls, social media and email.

You can keep in touch and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more about the ways you can look after your wellbeing.

It’s good to talk

If you’re worried about your arthritis and coronavirus and want to chat to someone, call our helpline or visit our online community and talk to other people.

Our community is a safe online space where you’ll find useful information about living with arthritis. This includes recent conversations from members on sharing food preparation and cooking ideas.

Keep moving

Why not get online to see what exercise options you can do from the comfort of your front room. There’s lots of choices out there from yoga, Pilates to chair-based sessions. Find what suits your interest and ability.

If you have questions about whether you should exercise or if it could impact your condition, read on.

For ideas on exercise options check out our exercise resources and specific exercises to manage pain.

Let's Move with Leon

Let’s Move with Leon is a free exercise programme from Versus Arthritis featuring weekly 30-minute movement sessions delivered to your email inbox.  You can sign up here, and they will be there to support you every step of the way. 

Start a new hobby

Hobbies can be great ways of learning a new skill.

If you have always wanted to learn a language or start meditating, why not watch some videos on YouTube or download some free podcasts to guide you through the basics.

Write a ‘therapeutic’ to do list

There are always those jobs that you keep meaning to do if only you had the time. 

Give yourself an opportunity to write your top 5 down. They can be anything big or small, from taking a leisurely bath, getting creative, writing a poem, reading more books or sorting out photos.

We’re here for you

If you’re feeling isolated from family and friends during these uncertain times, we’re here for you.

• If you would like to talk to someone, you can call our free helpline on 0800 5200 520 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm)
• Chat to COVA, our COVID-19 Virtual Assistant, 24/7.
• Join our online community
• Stay in touch and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.