Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic medical condition can be incredibly stressful for many elderly individuals. While receiving an official diagnosis usually provides a sense of clarity, it also brings with it concerns about treatment and outlook that senior individuals may not feel equipped to cope with. Take a look at how a diagnosis of a chronic medical condition may impact your elderly loved ones.
How Chronic Conditions Can Stress Elderly Relatives
A diagnosis of a chronic medical condition can take an emotional, physical, and financial toll on elderly loved ones. It may feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them with no warning. In addition to potential lifestyle changes, many elderly individuals often experience feelings of depression or worry over the outlook for their future after being diagnosed with a chronic condition. Here are some things that may be causing them to worry.
Financial Stresses
For elderly individuals living on a fixed income and relying heavily on Medicare for medical care, an unexpected diagnosis of a chronic condition can lead to financial stress. Seniors may worry about weighing the cost between treatments and medications with their financial resources available. Often, chronic medical conditions will also involve other cost increases, including the cost of durable medical equipment, mobility aids, or help at home.
Emotional Strain
Chronic medical conditions brought on by aging can create feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. Seniors may struggle to accept their diagnosis or the associated lifestyle changes that come with a chronic condition. Many seniors also worry about putting a heavy burden on their friends and loved ones, which may decrease the odds that they will seek help even when they need it.
Physical Strain
For elderly individuals living with a chronic medical condition, everyday physical activities will look different than they did before their diagnosis. This can be a difficult adjustment for seniors who are used to being able to move freely and actively. An increase in daily aches and pains or unrelenting fatigue may further add to the emotional strain of this new reality.
Fears and Worries
Elderly individuals may also worry about the progression of their condition and how they can maintain their autonomy as it progresses. As seniors age, they often become more reliant on family and friends to help look after them or provide assistance with activities of daily living. Chronic medical conditions can complicate this further. And it can increase stressors around personal care needs or managing medicines and appointments.
How to Help a Loved One with Chronic Medical Conditions
There are several things family members can do to help and support loved ones with chronic medical conditions.
- Provide practical help. Chronic conditions may make it more difficult for seniors to take care of daily tasks, including house cleaning or self-care.
- Bring in an in-home care provider to help manage senior care tasks that your senior loved one can no longer handle alone.
- Suggest counseling or support.
- Be willing to listen! A listening ear can be invaluable for people struggling with chronic medical conditions or ongoing health concerns.
Get Help for a Senior Loved One with Chronic Medical Conditions
Having the right in-home assistance can make a big difference for many seniors as they struggle with the impact of chronic conditions. For seniors in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Moncks Corner, James Island, and Daniel Island, Senior Helpers Charleston can offer aid. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home services and the benefits they can provide for seniors, including respite care for caregivers, in-home visits, transportation, and help with daily tasks or self-care at home.