There are couples who seldom say those words. Joan and Ted are clearly not one of those couples. While the frequency may drop, Joan can't imagine them not saying "I love you" to each other on a fairly regular basis.

Joan grips Ted's hands and lets him help her up and into the chair. She could probably walk into the living room just fine, but for the moment she'll conserve her strength and reassure Ted that she's safe, so he's not too anxious about leaving her side.