A Senior Care Guide For Those Who Live With Chronic Health Conditions
As if growing older didn’t come with enough challenges on its own, many seniors battle those challenges with one or more chronic conditions. Living with chronic conditions can have a serious impact on quality of life. Self-care for seniors is important in keeping symptoms of chronic conditions at bay. An effective self-care routine, and appropriate medications, make it possible to manage symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Many older adults require senior care at home to help assist in managing their chronic conditions. Keep reading to learn strategies for managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and more. We will also discuss the role that an at-home senior care provider holds in ensuring that chronic condition management goals are met.
Chronic Conditions Definition
Asking various professional communities may yield a varying “chronic condition” definition. For example, according to the CDC, Center For Disease Control, chronic diseases include stroke, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and obesity. Medicare and Medicaid, on the other hand, acknowledge a more extensive list of 19 chronic conditions that include HIV, depression, and more. Regardless of what qualifies as a chronic condition to what entity, it can be defined as a persistent disease or condition that may progress with time without intervention. Chronic conditions are usually not prevented by a vaccine, nor are they completely cured with medication. Medication can be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes to minimize symptoms in many cases.
How Common Are Chronic Conditions?
As many as 60% of adults have at least one chronic condition, according to the CDC. When studying older adults above the age of 60, The National Council On Aging found that over 94% of seniors have one chronic condition, while nearly 80% struggle with more than one chronic condition. Chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are the leading causes of disability and death in the U.S.
Tips For Managing Chronic Conditions:
Each individual with a chronic illness can be affected to various degrees. Specific treatment plans or lifestyle adjustments should be personalized and designed by a medical professional. Speak to your doctor for personalized condition management recommendations. However, there are some general tips for managing symptoms of common chronic conditions.
- Diabetes: Exercising as often as possible, for those who are physically capable, is a great way to reduce blood sugar. Even a short walk every day, with or without a mobility aid such as a cane or walker, can make an impact. Making healthy choices and including plenty of protein, fiber, and vegetables in a diet can also greatly reduce diabetes-related symptoms. For seniors who smoke, quitting is imperative to successfully manage diabetes.
- Hypertension: For seniors who may be considered overweight, it may be advisable to consider losing a few pounds to reduce stress on the cardiovascular system. Additionally, reducing sodium intake can help blood pressure levels.
- Arthritis: To relieve pain from stiffness and inflammation in the joints, exercises to build muscle surrounding those joints may help over time. Speak with a physical therapist for exercises with little impact on the joints themselves. Temporary relief may be provided by heat packs or warm showers.
If you or your loved one struggles with one or more chronic conditions, there is hope for relief. Speak with your/their doctor for specific recommendations. Medications, lifestyle changes, prioritizing nutrition, a positive attitude, and a circle of support can make a world of difference in chronic condition management.
How We Can Help
At Serving Seniors Care, our experienced team of senior caregivers is ready to help with your loved one’s chronic condition management plan. Quality senior care plays a crucial role in helping seniors cope with the symptoms and side effects of chronic conditions while aging at home safely. Arranging medical care and transport, encouraging exercise for those who are able, and assisting with household and grooming tasks can help seniors thrive at home despite the challenges associated with chronic conditions.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine. Use Your Words Carefully: What Is a Chronic Disease?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4969287/
CDC. About Chronic Diseases,
NCOA. Costliest Chronic Diseases,
Healthy Aging. Ask The Expert: Managing Diabetes In Older Adults,
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/ask-expert-managing-diabetes-older-adults
Hopkins Medicine. Hypertension: What You Need to Know as You Age,
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