Day-to-day life can feel complicated when living with a chronic condition. Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and depression are responsible for nearly 75% of deaths worldwide. But chronic illnesses can be managed, and recent studies show that deaths from such NCDs are on the decline in most countries.
What is chronic illness
Chronic illnesses generally can’t be cured or fixed themselves. Often, they include complex causes and many risk factors. There can be times when the illness doesn’t seem to affect life, but because it is a long-term health condition, symptoms reappear. Chronic illness may include an impairment or disability. Examples include:
- Arthritis: Nearly 1 billion people will be living with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, by 2050; currently 15% of those 30 and older have it.
- Cancer: In 2022, 20 million cancer cases were newly diagnosed and 9.7 million people died from the disease worldwide.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD): Around 640 million people live with heart and circulatory diseases across the world.
- Diabetes: About one in nine adults worldwide currently live with this disease.
- Depression: An estimated 280 million people worldwide experience depression, with nearly 6% of people over 60 years impacted.
- Dementia: Someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds; approximately 55 million people live with dementia globally.
These conditions don’t exist in isolation; many older adults manage more than one diagnosis, increasing challenges for them and their loved ones.
Chronic illness support
Chronic conditions can lead to complications, like falls, medication interactions, and hospital readmissions, which can take an emotional toll on everyone involved. Effective, everyday support at home matters just as much as clinic visits.
Professional caregivers, like those at Home Care Assistance, can support medical plans while keeping home life running smoothly. Here are seven ways they can make a difference:
- Symptom monitoring and timely escalation. By tracking daily changes (blood glucose trends, mood shifts, mobility, hydration) and flagging concerns early to families and providers, complications and emergency visits can be prevented.
- Medication reminders and support. Staying on schedule improves control of conditions like diabetes and depression. The World Health Organization has found that many people with diabetes lack consistent treatment coverage. Practical support at home can ensure constancy.
- Care coordination with healthcare providers. Whether sharing observations, going with clients to appointments, or helping to carry out provider instructions, strong coordination reduces gaps and boosts outcomes.
- Nutrition and activity cues. Lifestyle recommendations are essential to illness control, mood wellness, and brain health. Caregivers can help in many ways: from cooking blood-sugar-friendly meals to assisting with balance exercises.
- Safety at home. Reducing fall risks and supporting safe movement is critical for everyone but especially for individuals living with diabetes-related neuropathy or dementia-related disorientation. Fewer hazards mean fewer injuries and hospitalizations.
- Cognitive and mood support. Gentle routines, meaningful activities, conversation, and cueing can ease anxiety, support orientation, and lift mood.
- Family relief and peace of mind. Reliable help lets caregivers rest, work, and recharge, reducing stress while keeping loved ones safe and engaged at home.
Chronic conditions change the “how,” but they don’t have to erase the “why.” With consistent, compassionate home care, older adults can preserve routines, independence, and connection while families gain confidence that care plans are truly happening between medical visits. That’s the heart of what we do at Home Care Assistance.
Observed every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day reminds us that awareness, access to care, and daily support help people live well with diabetes – and all chronic illnesses. This year and every year, we’re proud to stand with clients and families to turn care plans into brighter, safer days at home.
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Sources: WHO; NYT; International Diabetes Foundation; Healthline; British Heart Foundation; Alzheimer’s Disease International; Healthdata; American Cancer Society; MedlinePlus; BetterHealth