Chronic Illness
By Anila McDonald
For an older person dealing with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and hypertension, live-in care allows a person to remain independent while receiving necessary care. Live-in home care can provide the support to manage these conditions, allowing a person to remain comfortably and safely in their own home.
Chronic Illnesses and Elderly Individuals
Chronic illnesses and multiple long-term health conditions are becoming more common in the UK. The University of Liverpool found that the number of adults living with more than two diagnosed long-term conditions increased by around 70% between 2004 and 2019.
Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and hypertension are particularly common among the elderly, posing a significant challenge to their well-being and independence. The management of these conditions often requires long-term care, careful medication management, lifestyle adjustments, and regular medical check-ups. However, this does not mean that older people living with these conditions need to sacrifice their autonomy or their comfort at home.
The Role of Live-In Home Care
Live-in home care presents an excellent solution for people managing with chronic illness. Live-in care offers numerous benefits, allowing elderly individuals to maintain their independence, stick to their usual routines, and remain in familiar surroundings.
Healthcare Support
Healthcare support is a fundamental aspect of live-in care. For older people with chronic illnesses, this support includes assisting with medication management, monitoring health and wellbeing, providing assistance with mobility, coordinating with healthcare providers, and overseeing other supportive measures to improve and maintain quality of life.
Physical Support
Along with healthcare support, live-in caregivers also provide physical assistance. This can include help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating. Additionally, caregivers can assist with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and housekeeping, allowing the client to maintain their home environment comfortably and safely.
Emotional Support
Chronic illnesses often come with psychological challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation. Here, the companionship of a live-in caregiver can be invaluable. They can provide emotional support, companionship, and encouragement, helping to boost the client’s mental health and overall quality of life.
Enhanced Communication
With a live-in caregiver, there is an enhanced line of communication between the healthcare provider, the client, and the client’s family. The carer, being present all the time, can note any changes in the client’s health and communicate these to the healthcare provider promptly. This immediate reporting can be crucial in managing chronic conditions where sudden changes could lead to severe complications.
Tailored 1-1 Support
Chronic illnesses in elderly individuals demand constant attention, care, and support. With live-in home care, people can receive the medical, physical, and emotional support they need while preserving their autonomy and continuing to live in their own homes. It provides a personalised and comprehensive approach to care. The right support system can make managing chronic illnesses less daunting and enable people to lead fulfilled lives.
If you’d like to know more about the process of setting up live-in care, read our article on How Live-In Care Works