Why chronic disease management matters for seniors

Many older adults in Joliet, New Lenox, and the greater Chicago area live with at least one long term health condition. It is also very common to have several conditions at the same time, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

These conditions may not be curable, but they can often be managed. Good chronic disease management can:

• Reduce symptoms

• Lower the risk of complications

• Help prevent hospital stays

• Support independence and quality of life

Working closely with a physician who understands the complex needs of seniors is a key part of staying as stable and active as possible.

Living with more than one condition

As we age, the body changes. Blood vessels may stiffen, hormone levels shift, and the lungs and heart can become less flexible. Over time, this raises the risk of conditions like:

• High blood pressure

• Coronary artery disease and heart failure

• Diabetes

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Thyroid disorders

When more than one condition is present, treatment decisions become more complex. A change in one area, such as increasing a water pill, might affect kidney function, blood pressure, or fall risk.

That is why seniors often benefit from a geriatrician who can look at the whole picture rather than focusing on a single diagnosis.

The role of a geriatrician in long term care

Dr. Mouhannad Kantar is board certified in both Geriatric Medicine and Family Medicine. This background allows him to provide primary care while paying close attention to issues that are especially important in older adults.

In chronic disease management, a geriatrician can:

• Help set realistic goals that match your values and daily life

• Balance the benefits and risks of each medication

• Consider memory, mood, and function when creating a care plan

• Involve family or caregivers when appropriate

• Coordinate care with your cardiologist, pulmonologist, or other specialists

The goal is not just to treat lab numbers. It is to support you as a whole person.

Common chronic conditions in older adults

Every patient is unique, but some conditions appear more often in seniors.

Diabetes and blood sugar problems

Diabetes can affect many systems in the body, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Good control often includes:

• Regular testing of blood sugar and A1c

• Reviewing diet and activity

• Adjusting medications as kidney function and appetite change

• Watching for low blood sugar events, which can be more dangerous in older adults

In some cases, the goal is not perfect numbers, but safe and steady control that matches a person’s age and overall health.

High blood pressure and heart disease

High blood pressure and heart disease are very common in seniors. They may lead to heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure if not managed well.

Chronic disease care often includes:

• Routine blood pressure checks, including home readings

• Medication adjustments to avoid readings that are too high or too low

• Monitoring for swelling, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort

• Lifestyle guidance on salt intake, activity, and weight

For patients in Joliet and New Lenox, having a consistent doctor who follows their numbers over time can make a big difference.

COPD and chronic lung disease

Chronic lung diseases such as COPD can cause:

• Shortness of breath

• Cough

• Infections that lead to ER visits or hospital stays

Management may include inhalers, oxygen in some cases, vaccines, and breathing plans for flare ups. Telehealth check ins can be useful between office visits to review symptoms and inhaler technique.

Thyroid disorders and other long term conditions

Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism, can cause fatigue, weight changes, and mood shifts. Over time, doses of thyroid medication may need adjustment.

Other long term conditions that often need ongoing care include:

• Kidney disease

• Arthritis and chronic pain

• Sleep apnea

• Depression and anxiety

All of these can affect how you feel day to day and how well other conditions are controlled.

What chronic disease management looks like with Dr. Kantar

Chronic disease management is not a single visit. It is an ongoing process.

Regular check ups and monitoring

In many cases, seniors with chronic conditions see their geriatrician several times a year. During these visits, Dr. Kantar may:

• Review symptoms and daily function

• Check vital signs and weight

• Look at home logs, such as blood pressure or blood sugar readings

• Review lab work and imaging results

• Adjust medications or treatment plans

If there are warning signs of a problem, he may act early to help prevent a hospital stay when possible.

Medication review and simplification

Many seniors take multiple medications prescribed by different doctors over many years. This can lead to:

• Duplicate medicines

• Drug interactions

• Side effects like dizziness, confusion, or falls

At each visit, Dr. Kantar reviews the full medication list, including over the counter drugs and supplements. When possible, he may simplify the regimen by:

• Removing medicines that no longer provide clear benefit

• Adjusting doses based on kidney or liver function

• Choosing safer options for older adults

This careful review is a key part of safe chronic disease care.

Coordinating with specialists

Patients with heart disease, lung disease, or complex endocrine problems often see specialists. Without coordination, it is easy for plans to become confusing.

As your primary geriatrician, Dr. Kantar helps:

• Make sure each doctor has the information they need

• Clarify which medications should be continued or stopped

• Explain specialist recommendations in clear, everyday language

• Keep the focus on your overall goals and quality of life

This coordination helps avoid mixed messages and reduces stress for families.

Using telehealth for chronic disease follow up

Telehealth is an important tool in chronic disease management, especially for seniors in Joliet, New Lenox, and the Chicago area who have trouble getting to the office.

When a virtual visit is a good option

Telehealth may be helpful for:

• Routine follow up on stable conditions

• Reviewing lab results

• Minor medication adjustments

• Checking in after a change in treatment

• Discussing questions with family and caregivers

It can be especially convenient for patients with mobility issues, those who no longer drive, or families who live far from the clinic.

What can be safely handled online

During a telehealth visit, Dr. Kantar can:

• Review home blood pressure and blood sugar logs

• Ask about symptoms and side effects

• Provide education and support

• Decide whether an in person visit or urgent evaluation is needed

Serious or rapidly worsening symptoms still require in person or emergency care. Telehealth works best when it is part of a larger, ongoing treatment plan.

The importance of home monitoring and self management

Chronic disease care does not happen only in the doctor’s office. Daily habits at home play a huge role.

Tracking blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight

If recommended for you, home monitoring may include:

• Blood pressure readings at set times

• Blood sugar checks based on your diabetes plan

• Daily or weekly weights for certain heart or kidney conditions

Bringing these logs to your visits, or sharing them during telehealth appointments, helps Dr. Kantar make informed decisions.

Lifestyle changes that make a real difference

Even small adjustments can help support better control, such as:

• Choosing more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains when possible

• Reducing salt in cooking and processed foods

• Staying as active as your body allows, even with simple walking or chair exercises

• Not smoking, and avoiding secondhand smoke

• Getting enough rest and keeping a regular sleep schedule

Dr. Kantar can offer realistic suggestions that match your abilities and preferences.

Preventing complications and hospitalizations

Well managed chronic disease care aims to reduce the risk of complications and unplanned hospital visits.

Early warning signs to share with your doctor

Tell your doctor promptly if you notice:

• Sudden weight gain, swelling, or shortness of breath

• Chest discomfort or new palpitations

• Frequent low blood sugar episodes

• Worsening cough or wheezing

• New confusion, falls, or significant changes in energy

These changes do not always mean an emergency, but they may mean that your treatment plan needs adjustment.

Post discharge follow up after a hospital stay

After a hospital stay, seniors are at higher risk for complications and readmission. A follow up visit with Dr. Kantar allows him to:

• Review discharge instructions and new diagnoses

• Clarify which medications have been started or stopped

• Check how you are recovering at home

• Coordinate services such as home health, physical therapy, or equipment

This visit can be in person or sometimes by telehealth, depending on your condition.

How often should seniors be seen for chronic conditions

Visit frequency depends on your specific diagnoses, how stable they are, and your overall health.

Visit frequency based on risk

In general:

• Very stable patients may be seen every 3 to 6 months

• Patients with recent medication changes or new symptoms may be seen more often

• After a hospitalization, follow up usually occurs within a short time frame

Dr. Kantar will tailor the schedule to your needs and adjust it as your health changes.

Combining chronic care with Medicare wellness exams

Chronic disease visits and Medicare wellness exams serve different purposes. When possible, they can complement each other.

For example, you might:

• Have a yearly wellness visit to review preventive care and screening

• Have additional visits throughout the year focused on diabetes, blood pressure, or other chronic issues

This combination supports both long term planning and day to day disease control.

Related services and internal link suggestions

On your website, this chronic disease management article can guide readers toward other helpful pages:

• Link chronic disease management to your Chronic Disease Management service page.

• Link geriatric medicine and primary care for seniors to your Comprehensive Geriatric Medicine page.

• Link dementia and memory changes to your Dementia and Memory Care page, since chronic disease can affect cognition.

• Link telehealth or virtual visits to your Telehealth and Virtual Visits service page.

• Link Medicare wellness exams and preventive care to your Preventive Care and Medicare Wellness Exams page.

These internal links create a clear path for both patients and search engines.

Get support for chronic disease management with Dr. Kantar

Living with chronic conditions does not have to mean facing constant crisis. With the right support, many seniors can remain active, independent, and engaged with the people and activities they love.

If you or a loved one is an older adult in Joliet, New Lenox, or the greater Chicago area, and you are looking for help managing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, thyroid problems, or other long term conditions, consider scheduling a visit with Dr. Mouhannad Kantar, a board certified geriatrician and family physician.

This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment decisions, you should always consult your own physician.

To learn more about chronic disease management for seniors, contact Dr. Kantar’s offices in Joliet and New Lenox, Illinois and request an appointment today. You and your family do not have to manage these conditions alone