Are you caring for someone with a chronic condition and finding it challenging and emotionally and physically draining?
You are not alone.
Sadly, chronic conditions are extremely prevalent in our community and are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia (Department of Health and Aged Care).
In 2022, half (49.9%) of Australians of all ages had at least one chronic condition (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Health Conditions Prevalence).
A chronic disease is defined as a long-term condition that doesn’t get better on its own and is not cured completely (My Aged Care).
Some of the most common chronic diseases affecting older people include: asthma, arthritis, cancer, coronary heart disease, dementia, diabetes, oral disease, osteoporosis, stroke, mental health conditions, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
As a carer, friend or family member supporting someone with a chronic condition, you play an important role helping the person you care for. You can help them to improve their general health and nutrition and to access the services and products they need.
Here are 5 ways you can help.
1. Understand their Condition, Treatment and Medications
Finding trustworthy information about the disease, its treatment and management will help you feel you are taking a positive step as a carer.
You can find reliable information about chronic conditions from reputable sources:
- Australian Government Health Websites: Websites such as the Australian Government Department of Health (health.gov.au) provide comprehensive information on chronic illnesses, their management, and available resources.
- Health Direct Australia: This national telehealth and online health information service (healthdirect.gov.au) offers reliable information on various health conditions, including chronic illnesses.
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC): The NHMRC (nhmrc.gov.au) provides evidence-based guidelines and resources related to chronic illnesses, ensuring the information is based on the latest research and recommendations.
- State and Territory Health Departments: Each state and territory in Australia has its own health department website, which often provides specific information and resources relevant to chronic illnesses within that jurisdiction.
- Australian Medical Associations and Foundations: Organisations such as the Australian Medical Association (ama.com.au) and disease-specific foundations (e.g., Heart Foundation, Diabetes Australia) offer reliable information, guidelines, and support for managing chronic illnesses.
Here you will find a comprehensive directory of healthcare professionals and services: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services.
2. Access Resources, Community Programs and Social Groups
As a carer, you can research and access resources, community support groups and social groups that will help your patient or loved one to live a more fulfilled and positive life.
- Healthcare provider recommendations: Ask their healthcare provider or specialist about local resources, community programs and support groups for their specific chronic condition.
- Local community health centres: Contact your local hospital or community health care centre. They may refer you to local support groups, programs, workshops and information in your area.
- Social media groups and online forms: These can help you feel part of a community of people facing similar challenges to you and are platforms to ask questions and share insights.
- Community events and workshops: Many medical and local community organisations and not for profit organisations host in-person events in local communities to share information and offer support.
Being part of a community facing similar challenges can help people with chronic conditions and their carers. It can offer social connections, emotional support, practical advice and a collective voice for advocacy. All of which are important for improving quality of life and wellbeing.
3. Communicate with Their Health Professionals
If you want to speak to health professionals about the chronic disease of the person you care for, you will first need the person’s written consent. Ask the health professional about the best way to do this.
Communicating with their health professionals directly will allow you to seek first hand information, give you the opportunity to ask questions and to seek accurate and reliable information, advice and resources.
You will feel more empowered to assist them in a positive way.
4. Seek good health, wellbeing and nutrition advice
Getting good rest, eating well and doing as much physical activity as a chronic condition will allow is important for overall emotional and physical well being.
Trying to do some physical activity each day, even if it is only a small amount, can help with managing pain and lifting mood. Speak with their doctor or physiotherapist about exercises that may help their condition.
Allied health services such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, exercise physiology, psychology and other complementary and alternative therapies may be helpful in treating chronic diseases, as would a nutritionist.
Nutritionists are accessible through a GP, hospitals, community health centres and telehealth services. Eating a healthy balanced diet can help manage weight, reduce inflammation, and provide essential nutrients that support overall health.
5. Source products and technology to empower independence
Those living with a chronic health condition can feel down, restricted and unable to live the life they want to.
But as technology advances, so does the ability to manage and improve health and wellbeing.
As some people may use medical devices such as glucose monitors, fitness and sleep trackers, smart inhalers or blood pressure monitors to manage their condition, others have embraced innovative technology and devices.
SafeMate personalised QR codes for medical emergencies
SafeMate, a cutting-edge assistive technology, offers a solution that bridges the gap between emergencies and efficient medical care.
SafeMate is a simple yet profound concept: personalised QR codes designed to provide vital medical information in times of emergency.
With just a scan by a smart device such as a smartphone, carers, first responders and paramedics gain instant access to chosen critical medical details that can make all the difference in the outcome of an emergency.
Information including next of kin, allergies, medications and medical conditions is accessed instantly.
SafeMate, accessed instantly (or for SafeMate Plus, in just 20 seconds), has been proven to save paramedics up to 10 minutes in an emergency situation.
Seconds and minutes count in an emergency and can mean the difference between a full or partial recovery, and sometimes life or death.
With SafeMate, patients can avoid unnecessary or costly hospitalisation.
Each personalised QR code is unique and linked to a profile that conveys chosen vital information about the patient’s health, medications, allergies and emergency contacts.
The data stored on the QR code medical ID, chosen by the patient, is instantly transmitted to first responders or paramedics who can tailor faster, more informed treatment for the patient.
SafeMate seamlessly integrates into everyday life. Its sleek design and user-friendly interface make it easily accessible by a smart device such as a smartphone. The SafeMate kit consists of a medical ID silicon wristband, a card, fridge magnet, key tags and stickers.
SafeMate empowers independence through technology. It is not only functional, but instils a sense of security and independence for you as a carer and for the person you are supporting with a chronic health condition.
Whether at home, at work, or on the go, the reassurance of having a personalised medical ID and emergency response provides peace of mind.
Sources:https://www.health.gov.au/topics/chronic-conditionshttps://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/health-conditions-prevalence/latest-release