Instead of assuming what’s difficult for your loved one to manage, observe their day and have a conversation about what would be most helpful to them. Notice what gaps need filling and step in as needed. 

Managing PsA works best when you can prevent flares in the first place. Help your loved one notice and keep a list of what brings on their symptoms so they can better avoid them.

Go over your loved one’s daily med schedule and find out what parts of it you can help with. They might need injection assistance or help reaching a tricky spot with pain-relieving cream. 

Offer rides and sit in on visits as another set of ears at the doctor’s office. You can also take notes so your loved one can give their full attention to the doctor in the moment and still have the information on hand later.

Be a workout buddy to help make regular exercise more appealing. Go on walks or join a gym together. Be sure your loved one checks with a doctor before starting a new physical activity.

Learn as much as you can about PsA so you’re up on symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle management tips. If you can come to the table with your own know-how, you’ll save your loved one the work of having to educate you themselves.

If your loved one smokes, talk about ways they might quit, and be a support through the process. Alcohol can make PsA symptoms worse; mix up some mocktails and make alternative choices fun.

Be a listening ear when the challenges of PsA feel overwhelming to your loved one. Having PsA raises your risk of depression. Be on the lookout for signs, such as loss of interest in hobbies, sleeping or eating too much or too little, and acting emotionless or “flat.”

Stress can ramp up inflammation and trigger a flare. Learn relaxation techniques and practice them together. Try deep breathing exercises, mediation, and visual imagery for a calmer mood and lowered stress.

Help your loved one find support among people with PsA who know what it’s like. Sites like the National Psoriasis Foundation can connect you with online communities, support groups, and other resources. 

Fruits, veggies, and whole grains boost overall health and help maintain a healthy weight, which can ease inflammation in the body. Stock the pantry with easy-to-grab choices and help prep meals filled with the good stuff.

In order to give the best support to your loved one, you need to preserve your own health and well-being. Watch for signs of stress in yourself like feeling overwhelmed, tired, or irritated and call-in backup, take a walk, or spend time on an activity you enjoy.