Chronic conditions affect millions of people in Canada, significantly impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. In Canada, chronic diseases are a significant public health concern. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, approximately 44% of Canadian adults over the age of 20 live with at least one chronic condition, and this number increases with age. The most prevalent conditions include hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Older adults are particularly affected, with about 70% of Canadians aged 65 and older living with one or more chronic conditions. Chronic conditions don’t only affect those living with them, but they also have a significant impact on our healthcare system as well. An estimated 67% of healthcare costs are attributable to chronic conditions.
What is a chronic condition?
A chronic condition is a health issue that persists over time, typically lasting over three months and requires ongoing medical care or management. Common chronic conditions include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Unlike acute conditions, which are temporary and can be cured, chronic conditions often require lifelong treatment and monitoring.
How do chronic conditions impact people's lives?
Living with a chronic condition can bring with it physical and emotional challenges. Experiencing a chronic illness can mean facing limitations in mobility, and energy levels. Simple daily tasks such as walking, cooking, or even getting out of bed, may become difficult or exhausting. This can result in a loss of independence and a diminished quality of life. The impact of chronic conditions on mental health is also significant. People living with these conditions often experience mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression, stemming from the unpredictability of their health and the fear of experiencing an emergency. Mental health disorders are more common among people with chronic conditions. In Canada, it’s estimated that one in five adults living with a chronic condition also struggles with mental health challenges.
For older adults, the risk of falls and other medical emergencies increases. Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors, with one in three Canadians over the age of 65 experiencing a fall each year. These falls can result in serious consequences, such as fractures, head trauma, or hospitalization. This is where medical alert systems play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals with chronic conditions.
How does Victoria Lifeline help somebody with a chronic condition?
Medical Alarms Help People Living With Chronic Conditions
Victoria Lifeline provides support for people living with chronic conditions through our advanced medical alert devices and additional services like our medication management tool and our free senior resource guide. Our medical alert systems are equipped with 24/7 emergency response services, and other advanced features like fall detection technology, and GPS location tracking. Fall detection can automatically detect a fall and send an alert, ensuring help arrives even if the user is unable to press the button themselves.* These features are particularly beneficial for individuals who may experience sudden health crises, such as heart attacks, strokes, or breathing difficulties. With the push of a button, users can immediately connect to trained professionals who can assess the situation and dispatch emergency assistance as needed.
Medication Reminders Help Reduce Complications
Another challenge for individuals with chronic conditions is adhering to a consistent medication schedule. Many chronic conditions—such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension—require strict medication regimens to prevent complications and maintain health. Missing a dose or taking the wrong medication at the wrong time can lead to serious health consequences, including hospitalizations or worsening symptoms.
To address this, Victoria Lifeline offers the MedReady® Medication Dispenser, a device specifically designed to assist with medication management. The MedReady dispenser helps individuals stick to their prescribed medication schedules by providing timely reminders and automatic dispensing of the correct dose. The system can also send a notification to a designated caregiver, alerting them that the medication was not taken (from the dispensing device). For people with cognitive issues or memory loss, this kind of automated assistance can be life-saving.
Medical Alarms Can Support Mental Well-being
Medical alert devices can help contribute to better mental health for individuals with chronic conditions. The constant worry of experiencing a fall or medical emergency can be exhausting. It can lead to increased stress and anxiety, particularly for those who live alone. This can create self-imposed limitations on individuals and their sense of independence and mobility which can then negatively impact one's physical health as well. A medical alert device provides reassurance that help is always available, which can ease these worries and help individuals feel more secure in their daily lives.
Research shows that individuals with chronic conditions who have taken steps to prepare for emergencies, like having access to emergency response systems report higher levels of confidence and reduced feelings of isolation. Knowing that help is just a button press away allows them to continue living independently, engage in daily activities, and maintain a more active lifestyle. This sense of independence is crucial in promoting both mental and physical health.
Medical alert devices also provide peace of mind for family members and caregivers. Caring for a loved one with a chronic condition can be stressful, but knowing that they have a reliable way to get help offers comfort and reduces the constant concern for their well-being.
If you or a loved one is managing a chronic condition, consider exploring how Victoria Lifeline’s products can provide the safety and support needed to live independently and confidently.
Blog by: Maor Tsitrin
*This article is meant to be informational in nature and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare professional or financial professional. What works for some individuals, might be harmful to others. Consult a professional before making any significant changes. Certain limitations are subject to third-party cellular provider availability and coverage. The signal range may vary. Fall detection does not detect 100% of falls. If able, you should always press the button that you wear. Lifeline wireless communicators connect to the Lifeline Response Centre using the third-party cellular provider.
