A Guide for Chronic Illness Management: Eight Key Strategies

Each chronic illness presents differently and requires a bespoke treatment plan. However, some techniques, such as getting a free durable power of attorney, could help nearly any chronically ill person. In this article, we look at eight strategies for staying ahead of chronic illness.

1. Have Regular Check-Ups

You should never skip an appointment, even if it’s “only” a routine test. Even a regular check-up could reveal something you and your doctor hadn’t previously noticed. Arrange a good schedule for appointments, and stick with them unless you have a significant flare-up.

Over 129 million Americans suffer from chronic illnesses, many of which are manageable. You’ll struggle to put together a treatment plan if you don’t have regular check-ups. Cutting costs here could stop you from, for example, getting suitable medication.

2. Create a Routine

Along similar lines, make sure your routine has plenty of structure. Establish a clear medication schedule, possibly with pill organizers and daily phone reminders if necessary. Even one missed dose could cause serious issues. Ideally, you’ll also find time for basic exercise.

Self-care is paramount for anybody dealing with a chronic illness. You must build a good routine that fits your long-term physical and emotional needs. Continually adapt the routine to your condition as it changes, and don’t push yourself too far.

3. Monitor Your Health

Beyond your usual appointments, you should still keep an eye on your health. If you experience any notable changes, contact your doctor. It might help to use a journal and write down updates on your condition.

Don’t brush something off because it comes and goes. You must address each new problem as it arises. It’s also worth buying home equipment to examine your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other stats.

Avoid risk factors such as smoking and inactivity; these could worsen your condition. In fact, the CDC says that over 16 million Americans have chronic illnesses from smoking.

4. Stay Active

Expanding on the above, inactivity may cause diabetes, heart disease, and more. If you already have problems like these, getting active can help. The government recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, alongside two days focused on your muscles.

Exercise can even reduce pain for some chronic conditions (such as arthritis). You should notice the physical and mental benefits of staying in shape soon after starting. If you can’t meet the CDC’s recommendations, just do what you can.

5. Establish a Power of Attorney

Some chronic conditions get worse over time. You could set up a power of attorney if you’re unsure about your long-term health. These let you place important medical or financial decisions in a loved one’s hands.

For example, your condition might lead to you entering a coma one day. You’ll need to know that somebody in your life is advocating for your treatment. Similarly, they should keep on top of your scheduled payments.

Use online templates for your power of attorney. These documents include every vital field and will fit your state’s unique requirements.

6. Assert Your Medical Needs

If you’re new to chronic illness, you must actively participate in your treatment. You might, unfortunately, face doctors who are skeptical of your condition’s severity. Be direct about how you feel, and change doctors if they don’t take you seriously.

Some illnesses fare better than others in the US healthcare system. For example, studies show that up to 77% of chronic fatigue sufferers have bad experiences with doctors. If your treatment isn’t working, it needs to change.

7. Adapt Your Home

Depending on the illness, you might need to change up your home. A stair lift could help you go upstairs without unbearable agony. Alternatively, more ergonomic furniture will put less pressure on your joints.

You might not have the budget for large-scale modifications, such as an adjustable bed. Luckily, even small changes can make a big difference. Handrails and grab bars alone could lower your risks of fatigue or falling.

Your health insurance plan might cover specific home adaptations. However, even these options are limited. Compare every plan available and check these against your home needs.

8. Seek Out Community

Socializing is essential for anyone, especially those with chronic conditions. You could even find solace in reading about and connecting with other people’s experiences online. Look for chronic illness support groups near you; your hospital or community center might organize these.

Above all else, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Even relatively uncommon conditions could have thriving communities within reach. Speaking to people in your situation can help you chart a course ahead and even seek better advice.

Final Thoughts

How you manage your chronic illness always depends on your unique needs. Make sure you’re always advocating for your own care. To help with this, consider a power of attorney that clearly sets out your health wishes.