Long Term Condition Services
Non-urgent advice: Long Term Condition Services
How can GPS Healthcare help with Long Term Conditions?
WHAT IS A LONG TERM CONDITION?
Long term conditions are physical or mental health conditions that require ongoing management over a period of years; for example
- Diabetes
- COPD and respiratory conditions
- Obesity
- Heart Conditions
- Dementia
- Persistent pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome/ME
- Gastrointestinal conditions and IBS
Some people can suffer from multiple long term conditions. Living with a long-term condition brings challenges and it’s important to have the confidence, support and information to manage your health. Self-care can help you make the most of living with your condition(s), rather than avoiding or missing out on things because of it. Self-care puts you in control.
Some long term conditions require monitoring by your practice for example to check your medicines are helping or that you aren’t developing any complications of your condition. If you are invited to one of these reviews then please try to attend so that your practice can support you.
TIPS FOR LIVING WITH A LONG TERM CONDITION
- Accept you have a persistent health condition…and then begin to move on
- Get involved – building a support team
- Pacing – pacing your daily activities
- Learn to prioritise and plan your days
- Setting goals/action plans
- Being patient with yourself
- Learn relaxation skills
- Exercise
- Keep a diary and track your progress
- Have a plan for set-backs
- Team work – work with your practice team
HOW CAN LONG TERM CONDITIONS AFFECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Many emotions and feelings can arise from living with a long term health condition. You may feel frustrated, tired or worried.
- Maybe you feel frustrated about how your condition makes you feel
- Maybe you worry about when the next flare up may be
- You might feel down if you’re finding it difficult to adjust to your condition
- You might not feel as confident as you used to or reluctant to try things differently
- Maybe you feel alone and isolated with your condition.
There are many challenges involved, especially when dealing with difficult or unpleasant symptoms, procedures or treatments. It’s understandable that this can cause you to feel down, stressed or just not your usual self.
Please click for local mental health services. Mental Health Support Services | solihull.gov.uk
A long term condition can affect all aspects of your life. You can struggle to manage the changes that a health condition requires of you or find it more difficult to cope with your usual daily activities.
All of the Nurses, HCAs, Care Coordinators and Pharmacists support with long term conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Asthma, COPD and they understand the mental strain you may feel.
Our practice staff can ensure you are booked in or referred for specialist support from within the PCN such as Clinical Pharmacists, Care Co-ordinator, Social Prescriber and Mental Health Link Workers.
