Caring for Elderly Loved Ones with Chronic Health Conditions
Caring for an elderly loved one often involves navigating the complexities of chronic medical conditions. These conditions, which can include diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, can negatively impact the quality of life of your loved one, as well as you, the caregiver, if proper attention is not given to proactive health management.
After Mama’s surgery, I began overseeing every aspect of her recovery.
I
quickly realized how little I knew about managing chronic medical conditions.
My Journey| In my blog Communicating with Healthcare Providers: Questions to Ask and Information to Share, I discuss how Mama managed all of her healthcare needs independently when I first began caring for her. When I realized that she wasn’t fully understanding the details of her diagnoses, prognosis and treatment I had to step in to help her with medical appointments and talking to her healthcare providers. However, it wasn’t until after her first serious health crisis that I fully took on the role of her “health manager.” After her surgery, I began overseeing every aspect of her recovery including diet, exercise, medication management, and overall lifestyle changes. I quickly realized how little I knew about managing chronic medical conditions. But like many other family caregivers, I had to learn fast and by doing. “Experience is the best teacher” may be true in some situations, but in my case, knowledge would have helped prepare for managing Mama’s health conditions. Here are some key takeaways from my experience:
1. Get and Stay Informed:
Learn everything you can about your loved one’s specific health issues. This includes understanding the symptoms, potential complications, treatment options, prognosis, and lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition.
Read everything you can about the condition: There are so many resources resources available that can provide detailed information about various chronic conditions.
Pro Tip: Use reputable resources. Your doctor or reputable organizations related to the chronic condition can recommend the best resources for your situation.
Attend workshops: Many healthcare organizations offer educational sessions on managing chronic illnesses.
Join reputable organizations: Most chronic conditions have reputable organizations that focus on information and support for individuals impacted by them. They have a wealth of resources. You can join their mailing list as they often have valuable information that can help you as a caregiver.
Consult healthcare professionals: Don’t hesitate to ask doctors, nurses, and pharmacists for detailed explanations and advice.
Pro Tip: Pace yourself. Otherwise, you will get overwhelmed with the amount of information out there. I did a lot of micro learning, which means I focused on small bits of information at a time, maybe between 5-20 minutes at a time. I also wrote questions in Mama’s medical log so I could ask her doctor at the next visit.
2. Build your Support Team
Managing chronic conditions is team effort.
Besides the primary care physician, there are specialists such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, geriatricians, depending on the condition.
Others on the team depend on your loved ones circumstances but they may include in home caregivers, physical therapists, and nutritionists. In order for your loved one to receive comprehensive, wholistic care as the caregiver you should know the role of each provider. Some tips for getting the best out of your care team are:
Regular Check-ups: Make sure your loved one attends all scheduled medical appointments.
Specialist Consultations: Get referrals to specialists when needed to address specific aspects of the condition.
In-Home Care Services: These can provide additional support with daily activities and medical needs.
Pro Tip: Have a place where you keep track of the healthcare and allied team. Check out my downloadable Medical Toolkit.
3. Create a Management Plan
Regular monitoring can help detect any changes in the condition early and adjust the management plan as needed.
Having a clear, detailed management plan is essential for keeping chronic conditions under control. Include healthcare appointment schedules, medication schedules, dietary guidelines, physical activity recommendations, and health monitoring routines.
Medical Appointments: Have a system in place for keeping track of medical appointments, preparing for medical appointments and following up after medical appointments on any needed tests, results, referrals, etc. There are many products out there that can help you get and stay organized, whether you prefer a desk or wall calendar or a digital calendar there are many options available. Personally, I love this digital calendar from Amazon. It helps with scheduling, meal prep, grocery list and so much more.
Medication Management:
Keep a list of all medications, dosage, reason, date/doctor prescribed, etc., common side effects.
Review medications regularly with primary healthcare provider, pharmacy, and health insurance company
Use pill organizers, alarms, or apps to keep track of medications and dosages.
Diet and Nutrition:
Work with a nutritionist to develop a meal plan that supports the specific dietary needs of your loved one.
Create a monthly/weekly meal plan and meal prep to help with consistency. Check out my blog, 10 Tips for Optimizing Seniors Wellness through Diet and Nutrition for more on this.
Exercise Routine: Engage in regular, appropriate physical activities to help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
Health Monitoring: Regular monitoring can help detect any changes in the condition early and adjust the management plan as needed. Keep a health journal to track symptoms, medication side effects, and other relevant information. See My Medical Toolkit here for help.
Track Vital Signs: Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar levels, weight, and other vital signs as recommended by healthcare providers.
Pro Tip: Keep a daily log of your loved one’s blood pressure, blood sugar, oxygen levels, and heart rate, etc., to provide to their healthcare provider so they can also see any fluctuations
Note Symptoms: Record any new or worsening symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Routine Tests: Make sure your loved one undergoes all necessary medical tests and screenings, and follow up with their doctor about the results and any next steps.
4. Encourage Lifestyle Changes
Encourage and support lifestyle changes. Changes such as adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, a positive outlook, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption can help with managing their chronic health condition. Be sure to check with your loved ones’ healthcare provider for any dietary or exercise restrictions.
Healthy Eating: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Physical Activity: Encourage regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, tailored to your loved one’s abilities.
Positive Outlook: Help your loved one focus on the positive. According to the National Institute of Health, “research has found a link between an upbeat mental state and improved health, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk for heart disease, healthier weight, better blood sugar levels, and longer life.” Ask them questions about good things in their life and things they love. Help them to find and do things they enjoy regularly including encouraging social activities.
Quit Smoking: Find support groups or programs to help with quitting smoking.
Limit/Quit Alcohol: Help your loved one or seek help to help monitor, reduce or quit alcohol intake to recommended levels.
Pro Tip: Like most people, it may be extremely difficult for your loved one to adopt lifestyle changes. Find ways to encourage and motivate them. For example, I often compliment Mama on how well she’s doing in certain areas, then link the lifestyle change she made to it. Sometimes, I also ask her what she thinks will make a difference in an area that she is struggling with, to have her help with problem-solving.
5. Foster Emotional Well-being
Chronic conditions can take a toll on mental and emotional health. Help your loved to access emotional support through counseling, support groups, or simply regular social interactions with family and friends.
Counseling: Consider therapy or counseling to help cope with the emotional aspects of chronic illness.
Support Groups: Join groups where individuals with similar conditions share experiences and advice.
Social Activities: Encourage participation in social activities to prevent isolation and depression. Check out more on this on my blog, Connect to Thrive: Nurturing Social Well-Being in Seniors.
6. Stay Organized
Keeping all medical information organized can make managing chronic conditions much easier. Use binders, folders, or digital tools to keep track of medical records, appointment schedules, medication lists, and emergency contacts.
Medical Binder: Create a binder with sections for each aspect of care, including medications, doctor’s notes, and test results. Check out my blog What’s in my Medical Toolkit: A Simple Medical Folder Guide and my downloadable resource Medical Toolkit.
Digital Apps: Use apps designed for managing chronic conditions to track health information and reminders.
Here are some more Tips for YOU, the Caregiver:
Focus on the positive: Remind yourself daily to focus positive parts of caregiving, including the opportunities.
Pace yourself: There is so much information to absorb on chronic health conditions. Take small learning bites at a time.
Set a routine: Consistent daily habits can reduce stress for both you and your loved one.
Take breaks: Caregiver burnout is real. Short walks, quiet time, or hobbies can help you recharge.
Ask for help: Don’t try to do everything alone. Lean on family, friends, or support services.
Use reminders: Alarms or apps can help manage medications and appointments.
Practice self-care: Eat well, sleep, and see your own doctor—your health matters too.
Communicate openly: Talk regularly with the care recipient and healthcare providers.
Join a support group: Connecting with others in similar situations can provide emotional support and advice.
Celebrate small wins: Recognize and appreciate progress and achievements, no matter how small.
