As we age, our bodies become susceptible to chronic, long-term illnesses. Without proactive steps, these chronic illnesses can become severely debilitating. While chronic issues are typically the cause of moving our aging loved ones into assisted living facilities, recognising the signs of the early stages of common illnesses is an important step in caring for your family.

There is a wide range of common chronic illnesses that your aging loved ones may face, and at CodaCare, we know how important it is to proactively recognise the signs before the illness progresses. Here are some of the most chronic illnesses for seniors and signs you should look for.

Onset Diabetes

It’s important to detect the early stages of diabetes before the symptoms become severe. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes impact the way that the body handles blood sugar and produces insulin. While the two forms of diabetes are different in terms of cause, symptoms, and overall health impacts, seniors that have either form of diabetes need special care and attention.

Early signs of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, fatigue, and frequent headaches. If your elderly loved ones are experiencing any of these signs, they should be tested for diabetes as soon as possible.

Dementia

Early signs of dementia include memory problems, frequent bouts of confusion, difficulty concentrating, drastic changes in mood, and problems completing everyday tasks. Dementia can be dangerous without proper care. Many people with dementia benefit from assisted living facilities or full-time in-home care.

Without proper care and attendance, seniors with dementia are at risk of severe injury completing even the most basic of tasks. The initial stages of dementia can vary from person to person, so it can be difficult to detect until the disease progresses.

Parkinson’s Disease

Many people associate severe tremors with Parkinson’s disease, and while tremors are a major component of the disease, there are many other signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Tremors, balance issues, sleep problems, difficulty walking, and cognitive problems are just a few of the most common signs of Parkinson’s disease.

As Parkinson’s disease can impact people differently, educating yourself about signs, symptoms, and ways to support your family will make the transition from living at home to living at an assisted living facility much easier.

Arthritis

A common issue many people, not just the elderly, is arthritis. The severity of arthritis can range drastically, from mild joint pain to arthritis so severe that it renders a joint useless. There are dozens of kinds of arthritis, so while it may be easy to detect arthritis in its early stages, it’s not as easy to detect the specific kind of arthritis without seeing a doctor.

Arthritis slowly degrades joints, which over time can impact walking, fine motor skills, and overall range of motion. Joint inflammation may worsen over time, and if it becomes severe enough, additional assistance may be needed to complete daily tasks.

CodaCare

At CodaCare, we believe in creating products that are not only affordable, but also high-quality and reliable. We wouldn’t create products that we wouldn’t allow our own families to use, and when you choose CodaCare assisted living products, you’re choosing the best for your family and your patients.

For over 50 years, CodaCare has been providing premier healthcare furniture that’s designed and constructed right here in Australia. The decision to move your loved ones into assisted living is often a difficult one, but if they are experiencing any of these illnesses, it may be the best option for them to live comfortably.