Seniors with Multiple Chronic Conditions

As people age, more and more can experience Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCCs). While this can present a wide range of physical, mental, and financial challenges to older adults and their families, it can empower older adults to stay as independent as possible while managing to be healthy and active. By understanding the challenges facing those with MCCs, families and caregivers can better prepare themselves to provide optimal support.  

From managing medical appointments to learning strategies to stay active and engaged in an active lifestyle, there are numerous ways to make living with MCC as manageable as possible.

1. Chronic Conditions: Difficulty Managing Medications

Seniors with MCCs often have difficulty remembering to take multiple prescriptions, recognize their side effects, and keep up with refills. Additionally, the financial burden of buying numerous medications can be overwhelming. Have strategies in place to help them stay on track and find cost-effective ways to obtain their medications.

2. Chronic Conditions: Inability to Access Treatments and Services

Older adults may experience difficulty accessing the necessary treatments and services due to difficulty traveling, lack of transportation, or financial barriers. It’s essential to help them find ways to get the care they need. This could involve looking for transportation assistance, discovering financial aid programs, or exploring options for virtual healthcare.

3. Chronic Conditions: Social Isolation

Due to physical limitations or difficulty getting out and about, seniors with MCCs may find it harder to connect with family and friends. To help them keep in touch and get involved, take advantage of virtual communication methods and arrange for rides to visit family and friends. Consider searching for local support groups that provide companionship and connection.

4. Chronic Conditions: Financial Burden

Seniors can experience monetary troubles due to limited funds. To help, investigate government programs like Medicare and Medicaid to find out if they can offer financial relief. Also, research the availability of utility assistance programs and financial counseling services to help pay bills. You may also look for programs to help seniors find employment or volunteer opportunities.

5. Chronic Conditions: Increased Risk of Falls and Injuries

Older adults with MCCs are more vulnerable to accidents and injuries due to physical restrictions. To protect them, make sure their environment is safe. Install handrails in hallways, bathrooms, and stairways. Additionally, maintain proper lighting throughout the house and ensure that carpets and rugs are securely fastened. It is also beneficial for seniors to have home safety assessments done periodically.

6. Chronic Conditions: Loss of Independence

As seniors age, they may experience a loss of independence. Help them stay active and engaged by providing them opportunities to learn new skills or try new activities. Encourage them to volunteer in their local community or join a senior center. You can also help them stay connected with friends and family by setting up video calls or virtual get-togethers.

Conclusion

Older adults with MCCs face many challenges. These include but are not limited to managing various medications, conflicting treatment recommendations, physical and emotional symptoms, financial and insurance issues, and keeping up with the demands of daily life. Furthermore, these seniors often have limited social support and experience a decreased quality of life. 

Aspen Medical Center provides state-of-the-art primary care and urgent services to patients of any age. We take special precautions to ensure the health and safety of our patients at our urgent care center in Santa Fe, NM. Book an appointment now!