Managing Chronic Liver Disease at Home

If you or a loved one is living with chronic liver disease, you’re not alone. From fatty liver and cirrhosis of the liver to liver damage caused by alcohol, liver disease is increasingly common. This is especially the case among older adults or those with other long-term health conditions.

Knowing how to spot the signs of liver disease early, what causes it and how to manage symptoms can help improve quality of life and reduce the risk of serious complications. With the right support, including tailored home care, it’s possible to live well with chronic liver disease while remaining in the comfort and familiarity of home.

In this guide, we’ll cover the key facts about liver disease: what the liver does, what causes liver damage, the symptoms to look out for and how ongoing care at home can make a difference.

What does the liver do?

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body, and it plays a vital role in keeping you healthy. But where is the liver, and what exactly does it do?

The liver is located in the upper right-hand side of your abdomen, just below your ribs. It performs hundreds of essential functions, including:

• Filtering toxins and waste from the blood
• Producing bile to help digest fats
• Storing vitamins, minerals and sugars for energy
• Breaking down alcohol and medications
• Supporting immune function and blood clotting

When the liver becomes damaged or inflamed, these processes can start to break down, leading to a range of health problems that may gradually worsen if left untreated.

How do you get liver disease?

Chronic liver disease develops gradually over time and can result from several different causes. In most cases, the liver becomes damaged due to long-term exposure to harmful substances or as a result of underlying health conditions.

Common causes of liver disease include:

 

1. Alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol use is one of the leading causes of liver disease from drinking. Over time, alcohol can damage liver cells, leading to inflammation and scarring. This can progress to alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis if not addressed.

 

2. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

This condition occurs when fat builds up in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol. It’s often linked to obesity, high cholesterol, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Fatty liver symptoms can be mild or silent at first but can progress to more severe disease if unmanaged.

 

3. Viral hepatitis

Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that attack the liver and, if left untreated, can lead to chronic liver disease, liver failure or cancer. Vaccines and antiviral treatments can help prevent or manage these infections.

 

4. Autoimmune and genetic conditions

Some forms of liver disease are caused by autoimmune reactions (such as autoimmune hepatitis) or inherited disorders like haemochromatosis, which leads to excess iron build-up in the liver.

Lifestyle and health history play a big part in liver health, making awareness and early action especially important.

What are the signs of liver disease?

In many cases, symptoms of liver disease don’t appear until damage is already taking place. That’s why it’s so important to understand the warning signs, especially for older adults or those with risk factors like obesity or alcohol use.

Some of the most common signs include:

• Persistent tiredness or weakness
• Nausea, loss of appetite, or weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Swelling in the abdomen (ascites) or legs
• Itchy skin or dark-coloured urine
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Liver pain or discomfort (typically felt in the upper right abdomen)

In the early stages, symptoms might be subtle, such as fatigue or digestive discomfort. If you or a loved one experiences any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

Can you reverse liver disease?

Whether liver disease can be reversed depends largely on the cause and how advanced the condition is when it’s diagnosed.

In many cases, early-stage liver disease, such as fatty liver, can be improved or even reversed through lifestyle changes and medical management. These might include:

• Stopping alcohol use
• Losing weight gradually
• Eating a balanced, liver-friendly diet
• Managing blood sugar and cholesterol
• Getting regular exercise

However, in more advanced cases, such as cirrhosis of the liver, the damage is permanent. That said, treatment can still slow progression and ease symptoms. With the right care, even those with advanced liver disease can live more comfortably and safely.

How do you treat liver disease?

Treatment for chronic liver disease focuses on preventing further damage, managing symptoms and supporting overall health. It may involve a combination of:

Medication

Depending on the type of liver disease, medication might be used to reduce inflammation, fight infections or control symptoms like fluid build-up and confusion.

Lifestyle changes

A healthy diet, regular movement, quitting alcohol and weight management are cornerstones of treatment for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease.

Monitoring and regular check-ups

Blood tests, imaging scans and sometimes liver biopsies are used to monitor progression and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Liver transplant

In cases of severe or end-stage liver failure, a liver transplant may be the only option. However, this is typically considered only when all other treatments have been exhausted.

 

How home care can assist with managing chronic liver disease

Living with liver disease can be physically and emotionally challenging, especially as symptoms become more advanced. For many families, managing appointments, medication and day-to-day care can feel overwhelming.

That’s where home care can make a real difference.

Here’s how professional care at home can support someone living with liver disease:

Support with meals and hydration: A liver-friendly diet is low in saturated fats, salt and processed foods. Carers can help with meal planning, preparation and fluid intake to support liver function and energy levels.

Medication reminders: Liver disease often involves a complex medication schedule. Carers can provide gentle reminders, ensuring medications are taken correctly and on time.

Monitoring symptoms: Carers are trained to spot changes in condition, such as increased swelling, confusion or jaundice and can raise concerns promptly with medical teams.

Help with daily routines: Fatigue is a common challenge for people with liver disease. Home carers can assist with bathing, dressing and gentle movement, helping clients conserve energy while maintaining independence.

Emotional and practical support: Liver disease can impact mood, memory and concentration. Carers provide friendly companionship, reassurance and continuity, helping to reduce anxiety and support emotional well-being.

Preventing complications: Ongoing care helps reduce risks such as infections, falls or missed medication, which can be particularly dangerous for people with advanced liver disease.

Talk to us today

At Trinity Homecare, we understand the challenges that come with chronic liver disease, and we’re here to help you live well at home. Whether you’re looking for regular visiting care or round-the-clock live-in support, we tailor our care to your individual needs and lifestyle.

Our compassionate, highly trained carers can help manage symptoms, support daily routines and provide peace of mind for families.

Call us today on 020 4572 2798 for a free, no-obligation chat about how we can support you or your loved one. Or, if you’re enquiring outside of office hours, complete our online form and we’ll be in touch the next day.