Chronic health issues can seriously impact an individual’s entire life. For senior adults, it is important to ensure these individuals maintain their quality of life while still receiving the care they need. Below are some simple ways to ensure that your loved one’s quality of life remains outstanding.

Establish Care with a Chronic Care Specialist:

Internal Medicine Physicians, sometimes known as Internists or Doctors of Internal Medicine, are experts in complexity. They specialize in adult medicine, and are specially trained to solve diagnostic problems, manage severe long-term illnesses, and help patients with multiple, complex chronic conditions. They provide comprehensive, longitudinal patient care. They have life-long relationships with adult patients, and their recommendations are based on each patient’s unique situation.

Internal medicine physicians see the big picture. Their deep training and knowledge of the entire human body and its organ systems give them a unique perspective of how everything works in unison. They analyze, consider and make connections from multiple data sets, and identify solutions for optimal health outcomes. Their expertise makes them vital to both patients and medical professionals.

Follow and Learn the Healthcare Plan Established by Medical Providers:

For individuals diagnosed with a chronic illness, their healthcare provider will have a specific care plan established. It is important to follow the plan as closely as possible because the goal is to give the individual the most quality of life as possible. Depending on conditions, the senior adult may find the health plan complicated. Family members or caregivers should attend as many clinic appointments as possible. This will allow open communication between all involved parties.

Emotional Support is Vital:

When someone is living with on-going health issues, emotional support from family, friends or loved ones can make life easier. Talk with your senior adult’s medical provider to find local resources, such as support groups or therapy services. Also, involvement in community groups, visiting with family and friends, or attending social events add to improving or maintaining their emotional health.

Consider Skilled Nursing Care:

Skilled Nursing Care is a form of care or treatment performed by licensed nurses for individuals in the process of regaining activities of daily living after a surgery, stroke, or extensive medical treatment. This type of care can help your loved one have the hands-on support they need to regain their health. Therapy services such as, physical, occupational, or speech, may be available to skilled nursing patients. The facility works with the patient’s medical provider to provide continuity of care for chronic conditions.

Evaluate the Lifestyle:

Lifestyle changes can make a big impact for seniors who are trying to manage their wellness. Creating better sleep patterns, reviewing the diet plan, light exercise and increasing activity levels can make a positive effect on a person’s overall health. Encourage your loved one to listen to their body and support their goals.

Set Reasonable Goals:

Senior adults can achieve much more than they expect even when living with chronic health issues. Set reasonable goals that focus on health and wellness, and discuss why or why not these may be beneficial. Working together creates a bond and shows your support for the goals that are important in their lives.

Following these few tips can make an impression on the life of a senior adult. South Central is committed to improving the overall health of our community. If your loved one needs medical support, our team at South Central Internal Medicine is available.

The healthcare team at South Central Internal Medicine provides comprehensive medical treatment for adults. The staff provides wellness prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic care patients including: allergies, arthritis, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, digestive disorders, geriatrics, infections, kidney diseases, respiratory disorders and more.

Dr. Alison Redding and Dr. Monika Thoppil are accepting new patients at South Central Internal Medicine. Medicare, Medicaid, and Most Commercial Insurance Plans are accepted. For an appointment, call 601-649-2863.

Dr. Alison Redding (Left) and Dr. Monika Thoppil (Right)