Chronic conditions like kidney and heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes are prevalent among seniors in the US. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that about 85% of people 65 and above have at least one condition, while 60% have at least two.
Seniors with chronic diseases can find it hard to enjoy everyday activities. However, managing these health issues lowers the risk of complications and improves quality of life.
If you’re caring for a loved one, you can benefit from chronic illness management tips. Continue reading to learn how to avoid complications and discover different ways senior living communities help.
Taking Medication Safely
Many seniors take several medications and can easily mix them up or forget to take a dose. Chronic illness management will be easier if you ensure your loved one takes their medicine correctly.
Here are some helpful senior wellness tips:
- Set reminders
- Keep their medication separate from other pills
- Ensure they don’t drink while using their medication
A pill organizer has small labeled sections to help seniors keep track of their medication. These could be helpful if your loved one lives alone and still has a good memory.
Seniors with memory loss could still mix up pills even when using organizers and reminders. If a loved one is dealing with declining cognitive function, ensure they have someone administering the medication to avoid serious health issues.
Chronic conditions can evolve, so to ensure safety and protect your loved ones’ health, you should take them to the doctor regularly.
The expert will conduct tests to assess progress and determine if the recommended drugs are helpful. If not, they could prescribe alternatives to help the seniors manage their health.
Getting Regular Health Checkups
Disease prevention for seniors should include taking them for routine health checkups. During the appointments, the doctors may conduct tests to catch problems early and offer treatment
The exams may consist of:
- Blood pressure checks
- Blood sugar tests
- Bone density checks
High blood pressure doesn’t always show symptoms but may result in serious problems like heart attacks or strokes. Regular checks help doctors detect issues and manage blood pressure to avoid complications.
Blood sugar tests are vital for seniors with diabetes or those with a high risk of developing it. These exams might prevent damage to the kidneys, the heart, and the eyes. It also allows specialists to recommend proper medication and lifestyle changes.
Bone health is a critical concern for seniors with chronic diseases, as certain conditions often weaken bones. These conditions include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoporosis
Low bone density in seniors increases the risk of fractures, which can lead to serious complications and longer recovery periods. Taking your loved one for routine checkups will help them get proper treatment to improve bone density.
Staying Active
Light exercises are ideal for seniors with chronic illnesses because they improve well-being without straining muscles. Here are some health and fitness ideas:
- Taking gentle walks
- Stretching
- Doing chair exercises
Walking improves heart health, boosts blood circulation, and can help maintain a healthy weight. Further, it strengthens muscles and bones, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
When your loved one walks a few minutes daily, they will keep joints flexible without straining them. The exercise can help them improve their range of motion and manage pain caused by conditions like arthritis.
Gentle stretches loosen muscles, helping seniors stay mobile. If your loved one does gentle exercises like reaching their toes and rotating their wrists or ankles, they will relieve stiffness.
Chair-based movements are a great way for seniors to work out safely. These exercises build strength and improve circulation, all from a seated position. They can be helpful if your loved one has limited mobility or balance issues.
Establishing Good Sleep Habits
Proper sleep lets the body recover and recharge, making it easier to manage chronic conditions. On the other hand, poor sleep may worsen health issues by increasing stress levels, blood sugar, and even blood pressure.
When implementing aging health strategies for your loved one, ensure they get good sleep. Here is how they can establish good sleeping habits:
- Sticking to a routine
- Avoiding caffeine a few hours before bed
- Having a calming bedtime routine
- Creating a comfortable sleeping environment
- Getting enough natural light daily
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps the body’s internal clock stay in sync. The consistency will make it easier for your loved one to fall asleep and wake up feeling rested.
Since caffeine is a stimulant, it might affect seniors’ sleep, so they should avoid it before bed. They also need a relaxing routine to signal their body to wind down.
They may enjoy activities such as:
- Reading books
- Listening to calming music
- Practicing mindful meditation
A sleep-friendly environment helps your loved one get quality rest, improving their well-being. Their space should include dim lights, fresh air, and a supportive, comfortable mattress.
Exposure to sunlight can help seniors regulate their sleep-wake cycle. Encourage them to spend time outside or sit by a sunny window for about 10 minutes to improve vitamin D production.
How Senior Living Communities in Allentown, PA Help Seniors With Chronic Diseases
Senior living communities in Allentown, PA, offer support and resources to enrich the lives of seniors with chronic diseases. Here are some key ways they help:
- Promoting healthy lifestyles
- Assisting seniors with medication management
- Encouraging social connections
- Creating a safe living environment
With these measures, Allentown senior living communities allow your loved one to take control of their health. They create an environment where seniors can manage their conditions while connecting with others and enjoying an active, fulfilling life.
Contact Rittenhouse Village at Lehigh Valley for Chronic Disease Management
Preventing complications in seniors with chronic diseases requires healthy habits, regular checkups, and support. When you provide your loved one with elderly health care, they will enjoy a healthier, more independent life.
At Rittenhouse Village at Lehigh Valley, we provide seniors with the resources needed to take control of their health. Our team can help them manage medication and maintain an active life by exercising safely. Besides, our community offers a quiet, comfortable destination for quality senior living. Contact us for any inquiries.
