Diabetes is a common disease affecting many older people. Taking care of diabetes can be challenging, especially when seniors have other health problems they’re dealing with. But with the right help and tools, such as senior home care providers by their side, seniors with diabetes can effectively control their condition and live independently for many years to come.
Education Is Key
One of the most important things senior home care can do to help seniors who have diabetes is to teach them about it. Many seniors may not fully understand what it means to have diabetes or may not know about the newest ways to treat it. Caregivers can help seniors make good choices about their health by giving them correct and up-to-date information about their condition.
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Helping seniors with diabetes is also about getting them to make good choices about how they live. This can be done by supporting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ways to deal with stress. Seniors who have diabetes may also benefit from keeping an eye on their blood sugar levels and taking their medicine as directed. Since this might require significant changes, a senior home care aid can assist seniors with healthy meal planning, prep, and cooking when needed.
Proper Resources
Helpful tools can also be a big part of how seniors with diabetes deal with their disease. For example, blood glucose monitors can help seniors keep track of their blood sugar levels so they can change their food and medications as needed. Seniors can also find it easier to take their insulin doses with the help of insulin pumps and syringe pens.
In addition to these tools, some devices help seniors manage the effects of diabetes. For example, a foot massager can help improve circulation in the feet, which is a frequent problem for people with diabetes. Seniors can also take better care of their feet and avoid issues like foot sores by wearing socks and shoes made just for them.
Technology can also help seniors with diabetes. Loved ones and the support team can help seniors find apps that help them track their blood sugar levels, watch what they eat and how much they exercise, and set alarms to remind them to take their medicine. Seniors can also use telemedicine to talk to doctors and get support services from their homes.
Support For Mental Health from Senior Home Care Aides
The senior home care team can help seniors feel better emotionally by listening to their worries, encouraging them, and pointing them toward resources like support groups or therapy services.
Taking care of diabetes can be hard for older people, but with the right help and tools, it is possible to live a good life. Educating seniors about their condition, encouraging them to make healthy lifestyle choices, and giving them tools to help them can all help them control their diabetes well. Seniors with diabetes and their home care team can find the best ways to deal with the disease by working together.
Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/diabetes-older-people
https://ncoa.org/article/older-adults-and-diabetes-how-social-support-can-help
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2796856