How Seniors Can Live Well With Chronic Conditions
When an elderly parent is diagnosed with a chronic illness, adult children may be worried about how their mom or dad will continue to cope. Some chronic illnesses are quite serious while others have symptoms that can be well-managed with hard work and patience. One thing that is clear, however, is that elderly adults can still live well with chronic conditions and a diagnosis does not automatically mean they lose their independence and quality of life.
Home Care Services in Madeira OH: Senior Tips For Living With Chronic Conditions
Chronic Conditions in Seniors
More than three-fourths of all elderly adults in the United States suffer from at least one chronic condition. Besides diet, exercise, and lifestyle, other contributing factors toward developing a chronic illness include genetics, gender and family history. The most common chronic conditions that American doctors diagnose in the elderly include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, high cholesterol, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease, among others.
Many seniors are afraid to see a doctor when they start to notice the early signs and symptoms of one of these chronic diseases. They fear that if they talk about them and see a doctor, they will not be able to stay in their homes or they will not get to keep their driver’s license, etc. Losing autonomy and freedom is a big deal to elderly adults, and many will not face a chronic illness because of it.
Early Detection Means Better Treatment
The ironic part about seniors refusing treatment Is that by doing so, they are missing out on all the expertise and guidance that the doctor can provide in managing the symptoms and advising them on what they can do to halt or reduce the symptoms. They will also be able to tap into resources designed to support seniors living with chronic conditions, such as home care agencies, community senior services, and local medical outreach programs.
With many chronic conditions, simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in the progression and the severity of the disease and the symptoms. For example, a diet with reduced salt intake can have a big impact on heart disease, while lowering fat intake affects cholesterol levels. Exercise can improve a range of chronic illnesses like arthritis, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease. Losing weight, even just a few pounds, can positively affect blood pressure and arthritis as well. Elderly adults will definitely benefit from the head start with early detection of chronic illnesses.
How Family Caregivers Can Help
Lack of information leads to fear, and fear is what prevents most elderly adults from talking to family members and their doctor about the early signs and symptoms of chronic diseases. Family caregivers can help their aging loved ones best by learning about options together.
When seniors learn that there are many different programs in place for them to age at home or avoid going to a long-term care facility, they are more likely to take the necessary steps to look after their own health. Family caregivers can establish goals of giving seniors the most independence possible with in-home care and maximizing their quality of life as much as they can. Together, seniors and their caregivers can set up an arrangement that best meets everyone’s needs.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring home care services in Madeira, OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Source:
Ncoa.org
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
- Winter Safety Tips for Seniors - November 17, 2022
- Fun Fall Activities for Seniors In Cincinnati, OH - October 3, 2022
- National Senior Citizen Day - August 16, 2022