A chronic disease is a long-term condition that doesn’t get better on its own and is not cured completely.
Caring for someone with a chronic disease can be challenging and emotionally draining. This is because as the disease progresses it can cause changes in the person you care for and create difficult situations. Learning about their specific condition and how to manage it can help.
On this page
What are some common chronic diseases?
Some of the most common chronic illnesses or conditions affecting older people are:
- asthma
- arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- cancer
- coronary heart disease
- dementia
- diabetes
- oral disease
- osteoporosis
- stroke
- mental health conditions
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
For more information or to learn about a specific condition, visit the healthdirect website.
Self-managing chronic diseases
As a carer, you are an important part in helping the person you care for manage their own chronic disease. Self-management can include:
- learning about the disease, including treatment and management
- understanding medications
- building skills to help manage fatigue, pain, frustration and isolation that people with chronic illness can get
- answering questions accurately and asking your own questions to make sure you understand the information given to you
- improving nutrition and general health as much as possible
- building physical activity or fitness sessions into each day
- practising relaxation techniques and mindfulness skills
- accessing support groups and other useful resources
- caring for your mental health.
The person you care for may also like to attend an information session or support group designed for people living with chronic conditions. Contact your local GP or community health service for more information on what's available in your area.
What services can help?
If you're caring for an older person at home, there are aged care services that can help them maintain their independence. These services can include help with personal care activities such as dressing or grooming, household tasks such as cleaning and washing, or even home maintenance such as changing light bulbs or mowing the lawn. Read more about help at home services.
Sometimes, the person you care for might need additional services to help manage their chronic condition. Read more about moving into an aged care home.