When faced with the news that a loved one has been diagnosed with a medical condition, remember the diagnosis and the prognosis are two different things. The diagnosis has to do with identifying a medical condition by its symptoms, and places a name or label on the condition. For example, Mrs. Smith is showing signs of dementia. The prognosis has to do with the anticipated progression of a condition and the prospect of recovery. In other words, how is a loved one's level of functioning mental and physical likely to change over time?

The following are examples of medical conditions often diagnosed from a person's symptoms:
Chronic debilitating disease (i.e., Alzheimer's, arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's)
Life-threatening illness (i.e., cancer, heart attack)
Medical concern (i.e. high-risk pregnancy, high cholesterol)
Injury, Illness or Surgery (i.e. broken hip, diabetes, pneumonia)

When a diagnosis is made, individuals, family members and friends typically find themselves facing uncertainty and unexpected challenges. In order to anticipate and address a loved ones care needs, it is essential to understand the prognosis. Specifically, give consideration to how the medical condition is likely to impact someones:

Physical strength and coordination
Mobility and reflexes
Hearing and vision
Mental capacity and memory
Logic, judgment and reasoning
Decision making capability
Anxiety and activity levels
Ability to focus on a particular activity
Ability to care for self
Ability to take medicines as directed
Ability to handle personal affairs
Ability to live independently

The three common scenarios are:

Gradual progression of a medical condition over time (example: Alzheimer's, diabetes, arthritis).

Sudden onset with progression over time (example: stroke, heart failure, kidney failure).
Sudden onset, however, with the treatment, the person is expected to make a full recovery (example: broken hip, pneumonia).

Regardless of the diagnosis, as a medical condition progresses, limitations may or may not become obvious to family and friends. Consult with your physician and other health care professionals to get an idea of what to expect and how to best provide support and encouragement. You may wish to contact a national health organization for information and direction. They should be able to tell you about resources and support services available in your area. A partial list of organizations is provided to help you get started.

Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org 800-272-3900
American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org 800-227-2345
American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org 800-342-2383
American Heart Association, www.americanheart.org 800-242-8721
American Stroke Association, www.strokeassociation.org 888-478-7653
Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org 800-283-7800
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.leukemia.org 800-955-4572
National Osteoporosis Foundation, www.nof.org 202-223-2226
Parkinson's Disease Foundation, www.pdf.org 800-457-6676

HOME HELPERS services address many of the considerations and competencies referred to above. Our non-medical and personal care services are similar to what is often provided by family members and are designed to help people maintain their independence and avoid isolation.

Care services include general assistance, companionship, help with transportation, errands, plus much more. Services can be provided anywhere a family needs themin the home, hospital, rehabilitation center, nursing home, retirement community, etc. To learn more about Home Helpers, or to locate a Home Helpers office in your area, visit our website www.HomeHelpers.CC (as in Conscientious Caregivers) or call 203-364-1160 for assistance.

To subscribe for our entire series of Caregiver Concerns, go to www.homehelpersct.com.