10 Ways Assisted Living In Palm City, Florida Ease Chronic Illness Management

Studies show that over half of seniors above the age of 65 suffer from some kind of persistent pain. Chronic pain can lead to an increased risk of falls, reduced mobility, anxiety, depression, isolation and sleep disorders. Understanding the characteristics and consequences of chronic pain is vital. You can ensure that your loved one is happy and comfortable through assisted living in Palm City, Florida. Effective assessment and pain management can help to enhance your loved one’s health and quality of life.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is defined as persistent pain or pain that continues beyond the healing period. It is often associated with a known injury or damage, but can also be due to an unidentifiable cause. As people age, they experience health issues that cause nerve pain. It may be a result of surgery, diabetes, cancer, shingles and other age-related conditions.

Diseases such as renal disease, congestive heart failure, pulmonary obstruction and arthritis, can lead to chronic pain. Chronic pain can also be due to fractures, compressions, skeletal deterioration and joint issues.

Chronic Pain Among Seniors

Chronic pain among senior adults is an issue that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. There are reasons why the pain may be ignored, including physiological changes that occur with aging. Many senior adults wrongly assume that pain is a natural part of the aging process. Others fear the examinations and medications that come with diagnosis and treatment. Those who experience pain associated with a previous health condition fear a prognosis of recurrence or disease progression.

How Assisted Living Helps with Chronic Illness Management

Retirement communities can play a significant role in chronic illness management. They help in various ways.

1. They provide information and advocacy on pain management solutions.
2. They offer pain assessment, evaluation and management of chronic illnesses.
3. They provide opportunities for socialization.
4. They engage various healthcare providers, including physicians, physical therapists, psychologists and more.
5. On-site care providers help to ensure prompt and appropriate pain management.
6. Availability of security and detection systems ensure an immediate response in emergencies.
7. They assist seniors with emotional or cognitive impairment to describe or communicate their pain.
8. The team members know how to detect symptoms of pain through changes in posture, isolation, or functional status.
9. On-site professionals help with dispensing and monitoring medications to avoid the risk of adverse drug reactions or addictions.
10. Providing nonpharmacologic chronic pain management such as physical therapy, massage, behavioral therapy and other holistic and complementary therapies.

Chronic illness management is a vital part of assisted living in Palm City, Florida. The more you understand your loved one’s chronic illness, the easier it will be to provide the help they need. There are different pain management and therapy options that can help seniors to live an active and happy life. When selecting a retirement community, find out the services provided for individuals with chronic illnesses. Long-term care can provide the support necessary for your loved one to live a happy and active life.