How Assisted Living Can Help Manage Chronic Conditions
Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities provide support and care to individuals with a wide range of needs and preferences. From those with a progressive disease like Huntington’s or ALS to those who simply desire a lifestyle of support and community.
Many adults also choose to move to a Senior Living Community because they have one or more chronic conditions. These conditions can make it challenging for them to live successfully on their own. Whatever the reason, Assisted Living Communities deliver personalized support and care so that individuals can focus less on their worries and more on their wellness and enjoyment.
Assisted Living Locators of Long Island serves as a guide and concierge for families looking for the ideal community. Our free placement services help families on Long Island find an Assisted Living or Memory Care Community that matches their needs, preferences, and budget. Discover how we help those with chronic illnesses find the perfect home for them.
What is a Chronic Condition?
According to the CDC, “chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).” The CDC also estimates that six in ten older adults live with one chronic disease, while four in ten live with two.
Top Chronic Conditions in the U.S. Include:
Arthritis: Impacting over 54 million Americans, arthritis occurs when joints swell and cause pain and stiffness. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and both typically worsen with age. Because of the severe joint pain, arthritis can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.
Heart Disease: Cardiovascular diseases are not only one of the most common chronic conditions but also one of the leading causes of death in the United States. There are several types of cardiac diseases, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart valve diseases, all of which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort.
Lung Disease: Another common chronic condition is any type of pulmonary disease, including COPD, asthma, and emphysema. While these lung conditions mainly occur in previous smokers or tobacco users, they can happen to anyone. These conditions can cause shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and frequent infections.
Diabetes: Approximately 32 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, in which the body doesn’t respond normally to insulin. Living with diabetes can significantly affect the quality of life and cause excessive fatigue, vision problems, and frequent infections.
Chronic Conditions and Assisted Living
While many older adults living with chronic conditions are generally healthy and of a sound mind, their diseases can limit them from living a fulfilling and successful life. Fatigue, chronic pain, or mobility issues can result in them being unable to shop, cook, maintain the house, or sustain personal hygiene. For some people, daily life simply becomes too tiring to do on their own, which can lead to several health and safety concerns, including dehydration and malnutrition, higher risk for falls, and feelings of depression and isolation.
In these situations, Assisted Living can be an ideal solution to maintain health, safety, and wellness. Assisted Living Communities can not only ease all of these burdens but can improve day-to-day independence and quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions.
At a Long Island Assisted Living Community, you can expect to find round-the-clock care and assistance provided by professional caregivers who are well-versed in the management of many chronic conditions. Also, Assisted Living Communities offer dining services, amenities, and other features that ease the daily burdens of home maintenance and management.
Freed from the many small tasks needed to live on one’s own, Assisted Living residents can focus on friends, family, and other pleasurable pursuits—many of which are offered right within the community.
How Assisted Living Locators of Long Island Can Help You & Your Family
We are a Senior Living Placement Service that works with families on Long Island and the surrounding areas looking for Assisted Living or Memory Care. As a local Long Island company, we are familiar with the types and options available to nearby families. We assess and evaluate a family’s unique situation, including care needs, whether a chronic condition is present, values, budget, location, and more. We consider all these factors to find the Assisted Living or Memory Care Community that best fits your needs—all at no cost to you or your family.
For more information on how Assisted Living Locators of Long Island can support your family, we invite you to contact us today.