The newest research about the human lifespan shows that people are living longer than ever before. This is great news for many reasons, not least because it means people have more time to spend with their families and enjoy life. But there’s a downside too: as the population ages, chronic health conditions increase in prevalence. These conditions can make life difficult, but they don’t need to spoil your retirement plans. Read on for tips you can use to manage these serious illnesses so you can still live comfortably at home.
- 1. Find a doctor you trust.
- 2. Keep all your appointments.
- 3. Educate yourself about your condition(s).
- 4. Start a medication diary.
- 5. Organize your medications.
- 6. Be prepared for emergencies.
- 7. Make sure your home is safe.
- 8. Make use of technology.
- 9. Keep moving.
- 10. Make healthy eating choices.
- 11. Get a good night’s sleep.
- 12. Consider home hospice care.
- 13. Take advantage of support services.
- 14. Connect with other people living with chronic health conditions.
- 15. Take care of your mental health.
- 16. Reward yourself.
- 17. Advocate for yourself.
- 18. Understand your health insurance.
- 19. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
- 20. Relax and rejuvenate.
1. Find a doctor you trust.
It’s important to find a primary care physician or specialist who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust to give you the best care possible.
2. Keep all your appointments.
Missing doctor’s appointments can make it more difficult to manage your chronic health condition. Make sure you schedule regular checkups and keep track of any changes in your symptoms.
3. Educate yourself about your condition(s).
The more you know about your illness, the better you’ll be able to manage it. There are many great books and websites on chronic health conditions.
4. Start a medication diary.
If you’re taking multiple medications, it can be hard to keep track of all of them. A medication diary can help you remember when to take your pills and what side effects to watch out for.
5. Organize your medications.
Keep all of your medications in one place so you can easily track them. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins and supplements.
6. Be prepared for emergencies.
Make sure you have a plan in place in case of an emergency. This includes knowing who to call and what to do if your condition worsens.
7. Make sure your home is safe.
If you have a chronic health condition, make sure your home is safe for you to live in. Install grab bars in the bathroom, keep stairs well lit, and use nonslip mats in the kitchen.
8. Make use of technology.
There are many smartphone apps and websites that can help you manage your chronic health condition. For example, there are apps that can help you keep track of your blood sugar levels or medication schedule.
9. Keep moving.
Exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Hire a personal trainer who is knowledgeable on the proper type of exercises for your condition.
10. Make healthy eating choices.
Eating nutritious foods will help you stay healthy and feel your best. Try to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Follow your doctor’s advice on diet restrictions.
11. Get a good night’s sleep.
If you’re not getting enough rest, you’ll be more likely to feel stressed and fatigued. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. This helps with any health condition.
12. Consider home hospice care.
Hospice care in your home is an option once you have problems with mobility. This can include physical therapy, pain relief, and other medical services by professional health providers. This can also provide you with palliative care and support in your final days.
13. Take advantage of support services.
Many communities offer special services for people living with chronic health conditions. These services can include transportation, meal delivery, and taking care of home chores.
14. Connect with other people living with chronic health conditions.
There’s nothing like talking to someone who understands what you’re going through to make you feel better. Many communities and support groups are available online and in person.
15. Take care of your mental health.
If you have a chronic health condition, it’s important to take care of your mental health too. Make sure you have someone to talk to if you’re feeling stressed or down. Consider therapy or counseling if needed.
16. Reward yourself.
When you reach a goal or accomplish something in your treatment, celebrate! This will help motivate you to keep going. Give yourself a small treat or take a break from your usual routine.
17. Advocate for yourself.
Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself, especially when it comes to your health care. You know your body better than anyone, so trust your instincts and make sure your voice is heard.
18. Understand your health insurance.
Chronic health conditions can be expensive to manage, so it’s important to understand your health insurance coverage. Know what’s covered and what isn’t, and make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
19. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
If you’ve been struggling to manage your chronic health condition, don’t be afraid to try something new. There are always new treatments and therapies being developed, so there’s no harm in giving them a shot.
20. Relax and rejuvenate.
Find activities you enjoy and can do in your condition which you find relaxing and rejuvenating. For instance, read a book, soak in a warm bath, or listen to music.
In conclusion, living with a chronic health condition can be difficult, but it’s important to stay positive and take care of yourself. Look for the silver lining in every situation and focus on the things you’re grateful for. Follow the tips above to help make life a little easier.
