Arthritis Foundations

The Arthritis Foundation is the national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease. Founded in 1948, the Arthritis Foundation is the only national voluntary health agency seeking the causes, cures, preventions, and treatments for the more than 100 forms of the condition.

Some of the objectives of the foundation are to fund research into the causes and cures of the disease, to educate medical and health professionals in the treatment of the condition, to promote community awareness of the problems confronting sufferers, to provide support, advice and information for those with sufferers and their families.

The Foundation draws its strength from its members, who through their volunteering and contributions provide powerful resources to bring the condition under control. Arthritis Today, a bimonthly magazine brought out by this foundation brings you up-to-date news about research, the newest treatments, tips on how to cope, and stories of others learning to live with the disease. The Foundation has teamed up with Medicare Rights Center to give you the best, most up-to-date information on Medicare and the new prescription drug benefit.

When caring for your child with this condition, experts agree that you should look for a health-care team that focuses on family-centered care. Juvenile arthritis affects the whole family from finances to missed school and work to additional therapy.

There is still a commonly held perception within the community that this is a disease that only affects the elderly. This is just not true. In Australia alone, 11% of the workforce has some form of the disease and up to 4 in 1000 children have some form of juvenile condition. And many forms of inflammatory conditions (like rheumatoid) are more likely to develop during early adulthood.

The needs and issues affecting people with this condition vary with different age groups. While there is plenty of support, understanding and programs to help the elderly, the needs of children and young adults are not adequately catered for. The aim of the NSW Young Adults Support Group is to provide a friendly and supportive environment for 18 to 45 year olds. People with the disease, their partners, friends, family can meet others like them and share ideas, hints and concerns. They can cease to be worried about being judged as different or not being able to keep up and promote a better understanding of the needs of people with arthritis of all ages.