There are many different long-term (chronic) diseases that are common in older adults. Oftentimes, older adults may be managing multiple long-term diseases that can affect quality of life.
Examples of chronic diseases include:
- Heart failure or other heart diseases
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cognitive impairment or demetia
Chronic Disease Management is taking care of one's health to better manage symptoms of a long-term (chronic) disease. Many chronic diseases do not have a cure, however chronic disease management helps people live a full and meaningful life.
How to care for someone with a chronic disease
When someone has a long-term (chronic) disease, symptoms can change day by day. Some days will be better than others. Tracking daily symptoms can help monitor these changes so they can be shared with health care professionals.
TIP
How to care for someone with a chronic disease:
- Learn about the condition. Speak to your ICC Team and other qualified health professionals, and read your ICC Patient Binder. If you’re a caregiver, attend appointments of the person being cared for (with their permission).
- Check-in each day and keep track of changes in behaviour or health. For example, those with COPD and Heart Failure may use the COPD Zone Sheet and Symptom Log and Heart Failure Zone Sheet and Daily Weight Log.
- Plan for the future. Engage, or encourage the person being cared for to engage in advance care planning discussions. This will help link needs and preferences with long-term planning.
- Find support or programming for yourself or the person being cared for where needed. Find services and resources available on the Resources page.
- Prepare for times when unable to manage care. Share tasks with others where possible to reduce stress or burden (e.g., shopping and meal prep). Use the My Care Plan to get started.
In this module, learn more about COPD and Heart Failure management, and how to prevent dizziness.