Diabetes is a condition that is common in older adults. It affects approximately 33% of people over 65. It can be managed, but it requires ongoing care.
As adults get older, they may become forgetful about taking diabetes meds, or it may be difficult for them to maintain a diabetes-friendly diet. A home care aide can help them stay on track. This article will review how in-home care helps older adults manage diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or can’t use it properly. This leads to an overload of glucose that can be detrimental to health. It can produce the following symptoms:
- Increased thirst and urination as the excess glucose sends the kidneys into overdrive.
- Excessive fatigue is due to the body working harder to convert glucose into energy.
- Slow wound healing resulting from impeded circulation related to high blood glucose.
- Dizziness and fainting- many older adults develop a diabetes-related condition called hypoglycemia which causes blood glucose levels to plummet, leading to dizziness and fainting.
- Headaches due to blood level dips and spikes.
- Tingling in the hands and feet- Many people with diabetes develop associated nerve damage that causes tingling in the extremities.
- Blurry vision- High blood glucose levels can draw fluid from the eye’s lenses, causing blurred vision.
- Gum problems due to diabetes compromise the immune system.
- Increased appetite: Diabetes can prevent dietary glucose from reaching your cells, causing you to feel hungry, especially for sugary foods.
How Home Care Can Help Older Adults Manage Diabetes
There are several ways a home care aide can help adults manage diabetes. These are as follows:
Meal Preparation
People with diabetes must be careful about what they eat, as certain foods can raise blood sugar and insulin levels. It is recommended that people with diabetes stay away from sugars, refined grains, and processed foods. They should focus on whole foods rich in fiber and other nutrients.
A home health care aide will ensure your loved one eats the right foods. They will help them plan a menu. They can even assist with food shopping and food preparation.
Medication Management
There are several types of medications a person with diabetes may need to take. Most diabetics will need to take insulin which is administered as an injection. But countless other drugs may come into play, including metformin, thiazolidinediones, starch blockers, amylin analogs, and more.
A home health aide can help with medication reminders to help your loved one remember to inject insulin or to take daily medications. They will ensure older adults are on track with the medications they need. They can also go to the pharmacy to pick up the medical supplies your loved one needs to keep symptoms at bay.
Symptom Management
A home health aide will keep your loved one comfortable when symptoms flare up. They will communicate with a doctor to ensure your loved one’s treatments are effective. If they notice that symptoms of diabetes are getting worse, they will take steps to adjust your loved one’s diet. They will alert a medical professional if necessary.
Physical Activity
Physical activity benefits people with diabetes because it makes the body more sensitive to insulin. It also lowers blood sugar levels and the risk of heart disease and nerve damage. A health home aide will ensure your loved one gets the exercise they need to keep diabetes under control.
Assistance with General Tasks
Many people with diabetes have mobility issues. They may struggle walking due to nerve damage, inflammation, foot sores, or vision problems. They may also deal with limited joint mobility, a common diabetes side effect.
A home health aide will assist if your loved one is dealing with mobility issues. They can help with everything from running errands, household tasks, self-care assistance, and more.
How Ashe Home Care Can Help
Dealing with diabetes is not easy and can be more difficult as you age. A home healthcare aide helps older adults with diabetes experience optimal health in the comfort of their own homes. It allows them to enjoy independent living for as long as possible.
If you are looking for home health care for a loved one with diabetes, look no further than Ashe Home Care. Our staff members are trained to assist diabetic clients. We will provide the care they need to enjoy high-quality living.
And diabetes care isn’t all we do. We provide various types of health care for older and disabled people. Contact us to find out more about what we have to offer.