Progressive diseases are health conditions that get worse over time, meaning that those diagnosed will see a deterioration of their health.
Receiving a diagnosis for a progressive condition is lifechanging and usually has a huge emotional impact.
Getting the right support early can have a lasting impact on quality of life for you or your loved ones.
Understanding your diagnosis
There are a wide variety of progressive conditions, each with their own unique symptoms and circumstances. Whilst some may progress slowly, others can act quickly and cause rapid deterioration.
It is important that you or your loved one gains an understanding of the diagnosis. This should include the symptoms and different stages that may happen, and a rough timeline for the disease’s progression.
Discussing this with your healthcare professionals early can help you prepare for the progression of the disease, both physically and mentally.
Navigating the changes
The toughest challenge posed by progressive diseases is that no two days will be the same. This is made more complex by the fact that progression is not always linear.
Whilst these conditions do get worse over time, it is common for people to experience both good and bad days.
The unpredictability of progressive diseases can make them harder to deal with, leaving you or your loved one frustrated.
That’s why it is important that the care and support you have is flexible. By allowing for days where symptoms are worse, you can ensure that the right support is always on hand.
Seeking support
When looking at support for a progressive disease, it is important to consider all aspects of care.
This means not only the present needs that you or your loved one has, but the ones that will be expected in the future.
You should also consider getting the right support for your mental health. Whilst it is usually a priority to get care for the physical parts of progressive diseases, mental health support can make a huge difference to quality of life.
We work alongside our patients, their families, and their health care professionals to tailor a care plan to their needs. This includes allowing for both good and bad days, preparing for the next stage of the disease before it happens, and ensuring that mental health is taken care of just as much as physical health.
To ensure that you have care on hand for when you or your loved one needs it, talking to our team in the early stages of the condition can help.
This way, we can work alongside you and your loved one to ensure that care is provided on your terms.
If you or a loved one would like support for their progressive condition, please contact our team today.