How To Manage Multiple Chronic Health Conditions

Coping with a single chronic illness is difficult enough, but managing multiple chronic health conditions can be overwhelming and confusing. Multimorbidity (having two or more chronic illnesses) involves managing symptoms, relaying information between doctors, keeping medications straight, and dodging medication side effects, all of which can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health and quality of life. But it is possible to incorporate coping strategies, behaviors, and habits into your daily routines to make it easier. 

9 Tips for managing multiple chronic health conditions

Whether you’re managing your own health or that of a loved one, the following tips for how to manage multiple chronic health conditions can help support your health and wellbeing. 

#1. Learn as much as you can about your conditions

The more you know about your conditions, the better equipped you’ll be to ask the detailed questions of your healthcare provider that will get you the information you need to manage your particular needs. 

#2. Determine your priorities for healthcare outcomes

It’s important to have an idea of what you want to get out of your overall care. Do you want to decrease your shortness of breath? Live independently? Maximize your energy and stamina? If you have a personal goal or outcome you want to see for your treatment, your healthcare providers can decide on an approach that helps get you there. 

#3. Discuss risks and benefits of each treatment

It’s important to understand clearly the risks and benefits of each treatment so you can make informed decisions. It may not always be in your best interest to choose the most aggressive option.  For example, if a certain diabetes medication increases your risk of falling, it could interfere with your ability to walk your grandchildren to school. Knowing the pros and cons of each treatment can help you maximize your comfort and quality of life. 

#4. Clarify everything 

During your appointments with your healthcare providers, ask every question you have and take notes so you can walk out with a clear understanding of your treatment plan and the steps you need to take to manage your health. 

#5. Take advantage of non-medication treatments when available

Medication side effects and drug interactions can exacerbate or add new health problems. Take advantage of any non-pharmacological treatment for one of your health conditions. These may include physical therapy, exercise, acupuncture, or other treatment. Just be sure to discuss any treatments with your healthcare team.  

#6. Keep a health diary 

Having a written record of your symptoms, side effects, progress, questions, and other health-related information will help give you and your doctors a clear idea of how your treatment is progressing.  You can use a notebook, a computer, or an app to keep these records. Just be sure to bring it to your appointments. 

#7. Communicate with healthcare providers

If you have questions about your health, or if you’re experiencing new symptoms, you don’t have to wait for your appointment to ask them.  Call or message your providers. They’re there to help. 

#8. Pay attention to your mental health 

Managing multiple chronic health conditions can put you at risk for developing depression.  It’s important to pay attention to your mental health and practice stress-relieving activities.  A counselor or therapist can also be a great resource for helping you manage your mental health and get the most out of life. 

#9. Try short-term rehab

If you’re having trouble managing your multiple health conditions, physical and occupational therapy in short-term rehabilitation may be just what you need.  At Bella Vista Health Center, our physical therapists can help with symptom management, and our occupational therapists can help provide you with the skills and resources necessary to incorporate health management tasks into your existing habits so they become a part of your daily routine. 

Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego

If you or a loved one is looking for a long-term care facility that offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and a wide range of rehabilitative programs and amenities, Bella Vista Health Center can help. Our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego provides the highest quality patient care as well as essential services, social opportunities, and round-the-clock care from a compassionate staff committed to providing a nurturing environment for all residents. For more information or to schedule a tour, call us at (619) 644-1000.

Outdoor Activities that are Good for Your Health

Outdoor Activities that are Good for Your Health

It’s no secret that being outdoors in the fresh air is good for your health and overall well-being. Outdoor activities also serve as a great and healthy resource to escape from the day-to-day stresses that consume many individual’s thoughts. 

Many activities that occur outside can require a lot of physical activity that we may no longer be able to achieve as we recover and/or age. Even though hobbies such as surfing or mountain biking may be out of the picture for some of us, there are still plenty of other activities that are a great way for individuals to take advantage of nature and the outdoors. 

Go for a walk

Going for a walk at some point in the day is a great way to get some outdoor exercise. Whether it’s an early morning sunrise walk, a relaxing mid-afternoon stroll, or nice walk through the neighborhood in the evening, it will be very beneficial to your health. Try going for a walk with a friend or two to not only improve your health, but to boost your social life as well. 

Pick up gardening

Gardening is such a rewarding way to spend time in the outdoors. This is especially true if you want to find an activity where you can spend a great amount of your day outside soaking up some Vitamin D. But don’t forget to wear your sunscreen! There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your hard work and devotion blossom into something beautiful and/or delicious. 

Go fish

Fishing is one of the best outside activities for people with physical limitations. Not only do you get to spend time outdoors, but you also get to be near the water. Many people like to use this activity as a way to bond with younger generations in their family and share stories with their children and grandchildren. Not only is the hobby enjoyable, but you may also leave with a delicious meal afterwards.

Organize a picnic

You have to eat right? Why not do it outdoors? Invite some of your friends or family to a local park for a tasty lunch in the sun. Get everyone involved by assigning different courses to different individuals. Changing up the scenery from your usual lunch spot will be an exciting way to get together with the people you care about. 

Paint a picture

Painting is a great way for people to relax and enjoy their surroundings while spending some time outdoors. Like walking, painting can also be used as a therapeutic method for dealing with the stresses that come into our lives. Find a peaceful place to set up your easel and enjoy the many benefits of both painting and the outdoors. 

Spend some time outdoors with us

Here at Bella Vista Health Center, we understand the importance of spending time in the beautiful outdoors. That’s why we provide numerous opportunities each and every day for our guests to enjoy the San Diego air. Along with our multiple organized activities every day, our guest’s are free to enjoy their day soaking up the sun in our recently remodeled courtyard as well. 

Want more information about our 5-star skilled nursing facility? Call us today at (619) 644-1000. 

How to Prevent Falls for Seniors and the Elderly

How to Prevent Falls for Seniors and the Elderly

If you’ve had a fall in your advanced years, you know how much damage a fall can do and how much it can disrupt your life.  Gone are the days when we bounce back like a toddler who has taken a tumble. For seniors and the elderly, falls can have life-altering consequences. In fact, according to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.  

The good news is that falls are not an inevitable part of life. By making a few practical lifestyle adjustments, you can decrease your risk of falling without even limiting your activities and social engagements. Take a look below at our tips for how to prevent falls for seniors and the elderly. 

Tip #1: Keep your vision sharp

Impaired eyesight, poor vision, and age-related conditions can weaken depth perception, visual acuity, and peripheral vision, all of which can lead to falls inside and outside the home. It’s important to have your eyes checked by a doctor every year and to adjust lens prescriptions as needed. Additionally, inside your home, you may want to apply contrasting color strips to your steps to help with decreased depth perception. 

Tip #2: Review your medications

Some medications may cause dizziness or drowsiness or other side effects that make falls more likely. Talk to your doctor about the medications and supplements you take.  You may need to change or wean off of some prescriptions in order to reduce side effects that affect your balance. 

Tip #3: Stay active

Exercise, such as walking, yoga, and swimming, can help improve your balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility.  A physical therapist can also provide you with an exercise program that does the same. The stronger, more coordinated, and more flexible you are, the lower your risk of falling. 

Tip #4: Make lighting a priority

No matter how good your eyes are, and no matter how strong your muscles, if you’re navigating through poorly lit areas of your home, you’re going to be more likely to misstep or trip over something. Keeping your home well lit will go a long way toward preventing falls. Place nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallways.

Tip #5: Hazard-proof your home

Remove small throw rugs and anything cluttering the walkways.  This includes boxes, papers, electrical cords, and other items that may cause you to trip.  Store your clothing and other daily necessities in easy-to-reach places. Clean up all spills right away. Install handrails or repair faulty rails in stairways. Use non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers. 

Tip #6: Wear the right shoes

Although your slippers may be cozy and comfortable, it’s best to wear shoes inside your home to help prevent slipping and falling. High-heels or slick-soled shoes should also be avoided. Opt instead for sturdy, well made shoes that fit properly and have traction on the soles. 

Tip #7: Use assistive devices

Support rails in the bathroom, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, walkers, canes, hand rails along staircases, and any number of assistive devices can help you maintain your independence and stay safe at the same time. Talk to your doctor about which options may be best for you. 

Short Term Nursing Care

We’re here for you. At Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, we provide skilled nursing care in a safe environment where you’ll find the support you need to live your best life. The way we see it, asking for help when you need it is one of the bravest things a person can do. And our staff is here, happy to help, whenever you’re ready.  

If you’d like to come by and visit us in Lemon Grove, we’d welcome you any time. Just give us a call or drop by. We know you’ll love what you find here.