Managing Chronic Illness: When More Support Is Needed

Living with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or COPD, is a journey that often begins with lifestyle adjustments, medications, and outpatient care. But over time, these conditions can progress, bringing new challenges that affect your loved one’s safety, independence, and overall quality of life.

At The Barrington of Carmel, we believe early recognition and thoughtful planning are key to managing chronic illness successfully. Understanding when it is time to transition your loved one to a higher level of care can make all the difference, not just in health outcomes, but in comfort, confidence, and peace of mind.

3 Signs It May Be Time to Consider a Higher Level of Care

Challenges with Everyday Tasks

If your loved one is experiencing frequent falls, wandering, or difficulties with essential tasks like dressing, bathing, or preparing meals, this can signal that living independently is no longer safe. As chronic conditions progress, the risk of injury increases, making it important to consider a setting where trained staff can offer daily support and oversight.

Escalating Health Needs and Hospital Visits

Managing chronic illness often involves complex medication schedules, symptom monitoring, and occasional therapies like wound care or oxygen support. If ER visits or hospitalizations become more frequent, or if recovery is slower, a skilled nursing setting can offer consistent, round-the-clock care tailored to your loved one’s evolving health needs.

Emotional or Cognitive Changes

Chronic illness does not just affect the body; it can also take a toll on mental and cognitive health. New signs of depression, anxiety, confusion, or memory loss in your loved one may indicate the need for a more structured and supportive environment. Higher levels of care can offer therapeutic programs, memory support, and trained staff equipped to navigate emotional and cognitive changes.

What “Higher-Level Care” Looks Like at The Barrington of Carmel

At The Barrington of Carmel, we recognize that chronic illness impacts everyone differently. That is why we offer a full continuum of care, allowing residents to receive the right level of support as their needs evolve, without ever leaving the comfort and familiarity of our community.

• Assisted Living – For those who remain mostly independent but need help managing the daily effects of chronic illness, Assisted Living offers personalized support with medication management, bathing, dressing, and more—all in a vibrant, private apartment setting.
• Skilled Nursing – When care needs become more advanced such as after a hospitalization, surgery, or increased health complications, our Skilled Nursing care provides 24/7 licensed support. Services include IV therapy, wound care, rehabilitation, and pain management, all delivered in a warm, homelike environment.
• Memory Support – Chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, or vascular dementia may affect cognitive function. Our Memory Support neighborhood provides compassionate, specialized care with structured routines, meaningful engagement, and staff specifically trained in dementia care and The Journey.

Noticing the Signs? Here’s What to Do Next

If you have observed any of these changes in a loved one, do not wait to seek guidance. Begin by having a conversation with your primary care provider or a member of our team at The Barrington of Carmel. We are here to offer professional insight, answer your questions, and help determine the most appropriate next step, whether that is a move to assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory support. Early planning can help ease worry and ensure a smooth, supported transition for your loved one.

At The Barrington of Carmel we don’t just provide care, we become trusted partners in navigating the realities of chronic illness. With expert staff, personalized support, and a deep commitment to whole-person wellness, we help residents live confidently, comfortably, and with purpose—every step of the way.