How can North Arden PCN 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 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 that your medicines are helping or that you aren’t developing any complications of your condition. If you are invited to one of these reviews, 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
- Teamwork – 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.
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 practices in North Arden PCN have specialist nurses to support with some 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 refer you for other specialist support from within the PCN such as Clinical Pharmacists, Care Co-ordinator, Social Prescriber and Mental Health Link Workers as part of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS). The staff in these roles are equipped to provide a diverse range of services.
We are actively involved in various projects that address the unique needs and challenges faced by our local population. Additionally, we are committed to continuously exploring innovative strategies and solutions that will enhance our efforts and improve the overall well-being of our population.
Our website serves as a comprehensive resource, offering extensive information, expert advice, and easy access to a multitude of services that can assist you with any concerns you may have. Whether you are seeking help for physical health issues, emotional well-being, or social connections, we are committed to guiding you toward solutions that empower and uplift our community.
Follow the links below for more information on the services we provide and specific long-term conditions:
