Helping Senior Loved Ones Manage Diabetes
Did you know over 25% of seniors over 65 have diabetes? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), age is a high-risk factor for type 2 diabetes, the most common illness. Complications from diabetes can be severe, as it damages the kidneys, heart, eyes, and nerves. In addition, it increases the risk of incontinence, falls, and dementia. Many people will find themselves in a helping role as the population ages, so this is the ideal time to learn ways you can improve the quality of life; or hire a professional home care professional.
Home Care: Senior Diabetes in East Grand Rapids, MI
Help Make and Keep Appointments with a Healthcare Professional
Diabetes is a serious disease requiring much back and forth between patients and doctors. The medical practitioner can be an endocrinologist, a primary home care physician, a podiatrist, an ophthalmologist, and other specialists needed. There are also trips to an exercise class, the local pharmacy, or a support group. If you can’t manage all the duties because of other responsibilities, hire a home care expert to handle the medical appointments and other transportation needs.
Accompany Senior Loved Ones to Appointments
While making and keeping appointments is essential, following the physician’s recommendations and preparing for upcoming meetings is vital. Older adults with diabetes may feel overwhelmed by all the information during a consultation, making it difficult to follow prescriptions and other instructions. Home care providers can accompany your loved one to medical appointments and take notes to help manage the condition more effectively. Professional caregivers also have extensive training and experience, which makes them a great support system.
Learn More About Diabetes
If you care for an older adult diagnosed with diabetes, learn all you can about the condition. There are numerous online resources, such as the American Diabetes Association and the National Institute of Diabetes. However, the best source of information about your loved one’s condition is a certified physician. You can also work with a professional home care provider who understands the problem and how to manage it. Diabetes is a serious complication, but your older loved one can live a long, healthy life with proper care.
Medication Management
As mentioned, seniors who have diabetes can be flooded with information during a doctor’s appointment. However, medication such as insulin injections and pills to control blood sugar needs to be taken according to the prescription. The doctor can offer suggestions on how to help manage medicine and keep track of dosages. If it is difficult to balance your busy schedule and care for your older relative or friend, hiring a caregiver from a reputable home care service may be a good idea.
Get Professional Help
Even if you can take your senior to the doctor’s appointment and help with their medication, the time may come when you can’t handle the responsibility alone. Whether it’s your job, family, or other obligations, with a caregiver helping, you can maintain a balance without risking the well-being of your loved one. Schedule a consultation with a trusted home caregiver to manage diabetes and boost the overall well-being of the senior under your care.
If you or someone you know needs help with Home Care in East Grand Rapids MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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