Daily living and health
Chronic condition
A chronic condition is a health problem that lasts a year or more and needs ongoing medical attention, limits daily activities, or both. Examples include heart failure, COPD, diabetes, and dementia. Many can be managed but not cured. Care often involves daily routines and regular visits.
Why it matters for your family
Many older adults live with more than one chronic condition. Managing them takes steady habits, such as taking medicine, watching symptoms, and keeping appointments. Small changes can signal a problem, so someone who sees the person often matters. A caregiver can help with meals, reminders, and rides, and tell the family about changes. A common mistake is waiting for an emergency to ask for help. Ask the doctor for a written plan that lists symptoms to watch and when to call. Non-medical caregivers support daily life but do not give medical treatment.
Source: cdc.gov
Read more: Dementia and chronic conditions
Related terms
- Congestive heart failureCongestive heart failure is a long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump or fill well enough to meet the body's needs.
- COPDCOPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing hard.
- Diabetes managementDiabetes management is the daily work of keeping blood glucose in a safe range.
- DementiaDementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease.
- Medication managementMedication management is the full set of steps for using medicines safely.
- Care planA care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.
