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The increase in diabetes cases among older adults has raised concerns for families and their caregivers. With growing age, our bodies undergo several changes that make it more difficult to manage diabetes. Metabolism slows down, physical activity decreases, and our bodies are no longer able to effectively control blood sugar levels like they once were when we were younger.
For many older adults, managing type 2 diabetes in seniors does not just involve checking blood sugar levels. There are many other aspects of life that affect on a daily basis such as food preparation, exercise routines and taking medications that have a direct impact. These individuals may be at increased risk of falling, having low blood sugar levels, and have poor wound healing.
Here, in this article, we will provide insights for families regarding how diabetes in the elderly impacts everyday life and the importance of providing continuous support to the elderly. Additionally, we will also provide information about how to utilize home care services to allow seniors to maintain a safe, comfortable lifestyle and manage diabetes effectively.
Diabetes is a long-term illness that impacts an individual’s ability to use glucose or blood sugar for energy. It is most commonly classified as type 1 diabetes in younger individuals and type 2 diabetes in the elderly. However, type 2 diabetes is far more likely to occur, and over time, will develop slowly.
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is much higher in individuals over 60 years old. Several factors increase the risk, including reduced physical activity, decreased insulin sensitivity, and age-related chronic health conditions. On the other hand, most older adults also take multiple medications, which makes it difficult to control their blood glucose level and increases their risk of developing diabetic complications.
Some of the most common concerns about diabetes in seniors are!
Hence, consistent management of diabetes is essential for a senior with diabetes to have an active and healthy lifestyle. By keeping blood glucose levels stable, eating the right diabetic diet, participating in physical activity on a regular basis, and taking prescribed medications, seniors with diabetes can reduce the likelihood of complications and improve long-term health.
Difficulties managing blood sugar levels can really affect how seniors with diabetes will lead their daily lives. Let’s check them out!
For seniors with diabetes, one of the most important daily tasks is monitoring blood glucose. However, this is often a difficult task due to the various conditions related to diabetes and an ageing body. Seniors may experience increased difficulty due to changes in eyesight or memory, as well as problems with handling test equipment, leading to stress and frustration.
It may even happen that seniors may forget to test their blood glucose levels and misinterpret the readings, putting them at risk for extremely high or low blood sugar levels. Additionally, when seniors do not manage high blood glucose levels, they face an increased risk of developing serious health conditions associated with diabetes, including nerve damage and heart disease.
Thus, to effectively manage diabetes and remain safe, seniors must learn to identify the warning signs associated with developing type 2 diabetes such as dizziness, tiredness, and increased thirst.
The foundation of diabetes management is proper nutrition. Seniors often face challenges associated with proper nutrition and planning for meals since many older adults live alone. They often find it more challenging to prepare balanced meals, shop for groceries, and maintain accurate portion sizes as they age.
Seniors must develop a habit of consistent eating preferably at the same time each day and have their meals balanced with protein, carbohydrates, and fibers. The older adults without support may end up skipping meals and relying on processed foods which may ultimately lead to a significant increase in their blood glucose levels.
Doctors prescribe many medications to manage diabetes, and some older adults require insulin. In addition to remembering when to take, and how much to take, it can be difficult to stay on track when other prescriptions are being taken simultaneously.
If doses are missed or administered incorrectly, glucose levels can become unstable. A consistent daily routine is important to reduce the potential of error in administering medication and will help make it easier for the elderly diabetic patient to take their medication.
Exercise is very important in managing blood glucose levels. Joint pain, neuropathy and fatigue can decrease the amount of mobility and cause an increased risk of falling and loss of confidence.
For seniors with diabetes, low-intensity physical activity such as walking, chair exercises or mild stretching help support circulation and enhance insulin sensitivity. Such exercise programs developed for seniors with diabetes allow for activity levels that promote mobility without the danger of overexertion. Regular exercise by seniors with diabetes can support their strength, balance, and emotional state.
Having diabetes is emotionally difficult. Many experience frustration with their dietary restrictions, anxiety about glucose control, or disappointment because of the limitations of their ability to be physically active.
Such emotions can lead to depression and social withdrawal in the long run. Having the support of friends, family, and other caregivers provides encouragement and companionship for seniors that helps them be motivated and optimistic. As a result, when seniors feel supported, they are better able to adhere to their management plans and have a positive attitude about life.
Diabetes can be very difficult for seniors to manage. With proper home care services, seniors will have the opportunity to successfully learn how to manage this disease without having to live alone. The caregivers offer guidance to seniors for managing diabetes while remaining safe and secure in their own home.
A key element in a successful diabetes management plan is consistency. Caregivers will provide gentle reminders to seniors regarding when to take their medications and insulin to minimize the chances of missed or the wrong dose of either medication.
More importantly, caregivers can aid in keeping track of blood sugar readings, as well as documenting symptoms of low or high blood sugar, such as dizziness, fatigue and confusion. In case of any significant changes, they can immediately alert the senior’s family or healthcare provider, thereby providing support to the senior and minimizing the chances of more severe complications.
For many seniors, preparing well-balanced meals that meet the daily caloric and nutritional needs can be difficult as they age. Caregivers will help ensure that seniors receive balanced meals that are diabetic-friendly and, most importantly, meet their specific needs.
Caregivers will also encourage seniors to eat meals on a consistent basis to support healthy blood sugar levels and digestive health, as well as to drink adequate amounts of water to be well-hydrated.
Home-based caregivers can assist seniors when they need help with walking, moving from place to place or moving safely within their homes so seniors can retain their independence and minimize the risk of falling.
Such assistance can prevent seniors from falling by clearing the pathways and providing stability when moving about. On top of that, it will gently encourage seniors to continue on with light exercises and movement throughout their day, which helps increase circulation, improve balance and promote overall wellness.
Common emotions for a senior living alone can include frustration, stress, and isolation. However, while home-based caregiving provides seniors with physical assistance, it also provides companionship and emotional support.
Home based caregivers build relationships with seniors through conversation, providing social interaction through activity, and providing support to promote good emotional health and lower the risk of isolation. As caregivers continue to care for seniors, they build a sense of confidence and motivation, which ultimately provides the structure of a stable daily routine.
We, at ComForCare help individuals living with Diabetes in the following ways!
Diabetes is a complex disease, especially for older adults, with many aspects of life being affected. Diabetes management can be challenging for seniors with fluctuating glucose levels, falls, stress, and emotional distress. There are many factors that can impact a senior’s daily life due to the complexities of managing diabetes without appropriate resources and support.
Home care is essential to allow seniors to live safely within their homes while managing diabetes. Home care services can assist in diabetic meal preparation for seniors, offer medication reminders, provide mobility assistance, maintain regular routines, and help seniors achieve greater blood sugar stability with fewer complications. Additionally, caregivers can provide emotional support and companionship, which can help alleviate a senior’s anxiety and provide reassurance that they will be cared for.
ComForCare’s in-home personal care services for individuals with diabetes are individualized to meet the unique needs of seniors and promote dignity, comfort, and independence. By developing a personalized care plan that addresses the needs of the individual and the safety of the individual, families can be assured that their loved ones will receive comprehensive, professional, and dependable care. Providing the appropriate care allows seniors to continue to live more fulfilled, healthier lives at home.
If your parent is experiencing an increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound healing, or sudden weight fluctuations, these may be indicators of diabetes.
While some seniors may become confused or dizzy, and develop multiple infections due to the non-urgent medical treatment of diabetes, type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent among older adults.
Diabetes is a serious health problem among older Canadians, with one in four Canadian seniors diagnosed with diabetes. The aging population has seen an increase in the number of older adults diagnosed with diabetes. This trend has continued to increase because of lifestyle choices and many older Canadians have health problems that will lead to diabetes as they age.
Older people are at increased risk for complications caused by diabetes that may include heart disease, nerve damage, diabetes-related blindness, inability to maintain mobility, and slow recovery from wounds.
Seniors may cause illness if diabetes is not well controlled, and as a result, constant hospital visits might lead to increased dependence and emotional stress. Therefore, daily management of diabetes is crucial for the well-being of seniors.
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