Struggling with a Chronic Disease? Change Your Life with Elderly Home Care Services

Around 90% of seniors in the US live with at least one chronic illness, such as arthritis, diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Chronic disease creates several challenges, including managing symptoms, complying with a daily living plan, and staying healthy. If you or a loved one has a long-term illness, Nurse Next Door McLean’s elderly home care services provide an invaluable support system, promoting safe and healthy aging, prolonging independence, and improving quality of life.

Support is just one call away. Contact us at (703) 774-9421

Understanding Chronic Disease Challenges in Seniors

How common is chronic disease, and how can it affect daily life?

• High Blood Pressure – fatigue, cognitive decline, pain, or vision problems
  
• Arthritis – pain, limited mobility, difficulties in bathing, grooming, dressing, or preparing meals
  
• Obesity – mobility issues, joint pain, difficulties in personal hygiene and dressing, and a higher risk of other health problems
• Diabetes – neuropathy causing instability, increased risk of falling, fatigue, vision problems, slow healing of wounds, and difficulty performing fine motor tasks

• Cancer – pain, fatigue, or nausea

• Heart Disease – fatigue, weakness, loss of stamina, difficulties in walking, bathing, and dressing

• Depression – loss of energy or disinterest in self-care

• COPD/Asthma – harder to get in and out of bed, difficulties bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, or problems doing housework or preparing meals

• Alzheimer’s disease – memory problems, cognitive decline, and loss of ability to care for oneself

• Stroke – pain, loss of motor function, cognitive impairment, or speech problems

Any of these conditions can interfere with a person’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and the older they get, the more likely it is that they will struggle with more than one.

This is why elderly home care services are so important. Professional caregivers can provide personalized assistance with tasks that have become difficult or impossible because of chronic or age-related illnesses.

What Are Elderly Home Care Services?

At its core, elderly in-home care is about providing support to someone who finds it difficult to maintain their health and perform ADLs due to age, illness, or disability. These services can be offered by caregivers, skilled professionals like Registered Nurses (RNs), or a combination of the two, depending on the needs of the individual. Caregivers can provide companionship and cover tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, grocery shopping, escorting the client to appointments, mobility support, bathing, dressing, and grooming. 

Skilled medical tasks such as wound care, medication management and administration, and IV infusions are typically handled by a Registered Nurse (RN) who stays in touch with the client’s doctors. They also focus on monitoring the person’s overall physical and mental health, and are responsible for checking the person’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, glucose levels, and respiration.

Benefits of Elderly In-Home Care for Chronic Illness Management

Do you know that over 50% of adults in the US have two or more chronic conditions? Home care services for the elderly keep you or your senior loved one safe, healthy, and comfortable. 

Daily Support and Monitoring

Daily support takes the form of assistance with ADLs. The person is encouraged to do as much for themselves as they can – thereby promoting independence – but the caregiver is there to render aid where necessary. 

Daily monitoring helps detect any changes or progression of their condition. It also helps the patient stay compliant with their doctor-prescribed management plan – dietary restrictions, exercise, medication, etc. 

Vital Signs and Symptoms 

RNs regularly check vital signs to monitor health and may stay in touch with your primary doctor, so adjustments can be made as necessary. One of the most important responsibilities is to monitor symptoms of the chronic illness to avoid unnecessary complications. For example, they may routinely inspect a diabetic patient’s feet for signs of wounds or ulcers, so they can be treated early. 

Medication Management

Many seniors with chronic conditions are on multiple medications with strict dosages and schedules. Adhering to this regimen can be difficult for someone with any degree of cognitive decline or memory loss. Besides medication reminders, skilled home care services for the elderly include administering medication and close monitoring for any adverse effects. 

Fall Prevention

Many chronic conditions make it harder for a person to get out of bed safely, walk, or take a shower or bath. One of the most basic elderly in-home care services is mobility support, which may include walking alongside the person, physically assisting them, helping them in and out of bed and the bath, or pushing their wheelchair.

Emotional Support

Isolation, loneliness, and depression all worsen chronic conditions, interfere with compliance and self-care, and contribute to an overall poorer quality of life. In-home caregivers provide companionship, play games, encourage social interaction, and accompany the person on outings, keeping them active and engaged. 

How Elderly In-Home Care Empowers Independence 

Unchecked disease progression, untreated symptoms, avoidable injuries, and unnecessary hospitalizations all put your health and your independence in jeopardy. By preventing these complications, we allow you to stay in your home, safe and independent, while you age in place with dignity.

What Is Medication Management and Why Is It Essential for Seniors?

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Does Medicare Pay for Home Caregivers?

A. Short-term, medically-necessary, doctor-ordered services provided by a skilled nurse for a homebound patient are usually covered. Medicare may also pay for unskilled home care services associated with the client’s skilled service.

Q. What are the 5 C’s of Chronic Disease?

A. The strategies used to manage chronic illness are referred to as the 5 C’s: coordination, communication, comprehensiveness, continuity, and compassion. 

Q. How to Get Help with Chronic Illness?

A. Your doctor will prescribe a plan to manage your illness, and Nurse Next Door McLean empowers you to comply with that plan at home through personalized care.

Why Choose Nurse Next Door McLean for Elderly In-Home Care?

If you or a senior loved one struggles with a chronic illness that interferes with daily life, Nurse Next Door McLean is your most trusted local resource in Virginia. We have trained caregivers and skilled Registered Nurses (RNs) who can provide the support and care you need and deserve.

Depending on your condition, our RN can stay in touch with your physician to adjust the care plan. We are available on your schedule – 24/7, nights and weekends, and even holidays, full or part-time. Most importantly of all, we do all of this with compassion, keeping your dignity, comfort, and safety in mind above all else. 

You are not defined by your chronic illness. If you need help, call Nurse Next Door McLean at  (703) 774-9421 for a Free Caring Consult.