The importance of ongoing care for chronic diagnoses
Chronic illnesses are conditions that cannot be cured, but can typically be managed through treatment and care. Examples of chronic diagnoses include diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders. When first diagnosed with a chronic illness, it is common to experience a sense of shock and confusion. You may be wondering how best to manage your condition and what kind of support will be available to you. We at Transitions Healthcare, Transitions chronic care specializes in improving the patient care expeience while producing better health outcomes at a lower cost
In this post, we'll explore what ongoing care means, why it is necessary, and how it can help you live a better quality of life with a chronic illness.
Understanding ongoing care
Ongoing care is regular treatment and monitoring that you receive after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. It is different from acute care, which involves treating short-term illnesses or injuries. Ongoing care is not about curing your condition, but it is about ensuring your condition is managed effectively, so you can live your life to the fullest. Typically, ongoing care may involve regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, taking medications, following healthy habits like diet and exercise, and attending support groups.
The importance of ongoing care
While acute care is essential, ongoing care can be lifesaving for those with chronic diagnoses. Regular monitoring can help keep blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure under control, thus reducing the chances of complications. Through ongoing care, health issues can be detected early before they become more severe. Additionally, ongoing care provides patients with emotional support by connecting them with other people who are going through similar experiences, giving them a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
How ongoing care can help
One of the benefits of ongoing care is the ability to manage symptoms better. Chronic diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. It is by working closely with your healthcare providers that you can reduce the severity of these symptoms, helping you to stay healthy and productive. Ongoing care also provides patients with opportunities to learn how to manage their conditions so that they can live healthy and fulfilling lives. For example, if you have diabetes, ongoing care may help you learn how to monitor your blood sugar levels, make informed food choices, and engage in appropriate physical activity.
The costs of avoiding ongoing care
Avoiding ongoing care can result in dangerous and costly complications. Chronic conditions left untreated or mismanaged can lead to an array of serious health problems, including kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke, among others. These complications can be life-threatening and expensive to manage. Besides, chronic illnesses can have a significant impact on other aspects of your life, including work, family life, and relationships. Engaging in ongoing care is an investment in your long-term health, both emotionally and physically.
Living with a chronic illness can be a daunting experience, but the benefits of ongoing care cannot be overstated. Ongoing care provides a holistic approach to chronic disease management, from early detection and prevention of complications to emotional support and symptom management.
Get in touch with us today
To learn more about what we do, please click here. To contact us, please click here or call us at (303) 427-5302