According to studies, more than 75% of seniors have at least one chronic illness. For seniors that are living on their own, managing a chronic illness can be very difficult. Taking medications on time, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and doing other things necessary for good health get very difficult as seniors get older.

Senior home care help. A senior home care provider can’t give medications, but a senior home care provider can help your parent organize their medications. They can also set clocks, watches, and other reminders so that your parent doesn’t forget when it’s time to take medications.

Senior home care providers can also help seniors manage chronic illnesses like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and more by doing things like:

Planning and Cooking Meals

Eating well is one of the most important parts of managing chronic illness, especially if your parent has a disease like diabetes.

A home care provider can plan and prepare balanced meals that fit your parent’s dietary needs. They can make sure meals include the right mix of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while keeping an eye on portion sizes, salt intake, and sugar intake.

They can also help your parent with grocery shopping for healthy food. Seniors may need help reading labels, choosing low-sugar snacks, and avoiding foods that spike blood sugar. Having someone who understands what makes a “diabetes-friendly” or “inflammation friendly” meal helps your parent eat better without the stress of figuring it all out alone.

Encouraging Physical Activity

Exercise helps control blood sugar and keeps energy levels up. Exercise can also help build muscle strength, improve circulation, and fight inflammation. But often seniors who are chronically ill are not able to do a lot of activity.

A home care provider can motivate your parent to stay active in safe and enjoyable ways. That might mean doing simple chair exercises, or playing games like bean bag toss or getting up to walk around the house once every hour. A care provider will encourage your senior parent to be more active, in any way they can.

Tracking Health Changes

A senior home care provider can track your parent’s daily blood sugar readings, monitor weight, and notice signs of inflammation or poor health like swelling, foot sores, or fatigue. By keeping clear records and sharing updates with family or doctors, they help catch issues early and make sure you know about them.

Promoting Good Hygiene and Foot Care

For people with poor circulation or conditions like diabetes, foot care is especially important because poor circulation can make cuts and sores slow to heal.

A care provider can help your parent wash and inspect their feet daily, apply lotion to prevent dryness, and make sure shoes and socks fit well.

They can also help your parent maintain general hygiene routines like bathing and grooming, which boosts confidence and comfort. These small acts of care add up to better overall health and fewer complications.

Offering Emotional Support and Companionship

Living with a chronic illness can feel isolating, especially for seniors who spend a lot of time at home. A compassionate home care provider offers more than just practical help.

They bring friendship and emotional support. They listen, share conversation, and encourage your parent on hard days. This kind of positive connection reduces stress, helps fight loneliness, and keeps your parent motivated to take good care of themselves.

Learn More About Senior Home Care

Having a chronic illness doesn’t mean your senior parent can’t continue to live on their own. But it does mean they may need daily support from a care provider to make sure their illness isn’t getting worse. Learn more about the ways that senior home care can provide your parent with all the support they need.

Source: https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2019posts/chronic-disease-older-adults-013019.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Dover, NH, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH today! 603-824-8200

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