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Help with chronic diseases
A chronic disease is one that lasts a long time and and rarely resolves spontaneously.
We are more likely to have a chronic disease as we grow older. Nearly all Australians aged 65 years and older have at least one chronic condition, and more than 80% of people in this age group are living with three or more chronic conditions (reference: Australian Bureau of Statistics – 3303.0 National Health Survey: Summary of results, 2007-08).
Your local GP will be able to provide you with the care you need in relation to chronic diseases, including prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care, as well as advice on how to stay well when you are living with a chronic disease
If you are aged over 75 years and living in an aged care home, you can have your health checked periodically through Medicare.
Chronic diseases are much more common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - a health check is available every year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 55 years and over, and every two years for those aged 15 to 54 years. These are carried out by general practitioners and Aboriginal community-controlled health services.
Read more: About chronic diseases
Living with a chronic disease
There are many sources of help and advice if you are suffering from a chronic health condition. Your doctor can put you in touch with local sources of support, and there is a range of options for care in your home or in an aged care home, as well as sources of information about your condition.Read more: About living with a chronic disease
Help for families, friends and carers of people with a chronic disease
Carers, family members and friends of people with a chronic illness can learn more about their condition, find out how they can help, or obtain advice about services such as respite care through several Australian Government sources.Read more: About help for families, friends and carers of people with a chronic disease
Chronic disease resources
Practical help is often only a phone call away, and ranges from advice about equipment to arrangements for assistance in your home.Read more: On chronic disease resources
Useful contacts for chronic disease
There are some key organisations across Australia that are useful contacts for more information and services on a range of chronic diseases.Read more: About useful contacts for chronic disease
Prevention and awareness
Chronic diseases can often be prevented. Regular medical checks coupled with a healthy lifestyle can help you avoid disease, or increase your chances of detecting an illness early, treating it effectively and preventing complications.Read more: About prevention and awareness