Why is home care for diabetic seniors so important? Home care is an amazing service that allows many seniors to live independently, while also giving themselves and their families peace of mind. Home care is an excellent option for diabetic seniors because many suffering from diabetes are still mentally resilient and independent, but due to the unique complications of their disease, are unable to manage all of their health needs. Here are some of the reasons why home care is a great option for diabetic seniors.
1. Assistance with Eyesight and Mobility
Diabetes affects the eyes and nerve endings. Many seniors who have lived with diabetes for a lifetime have issues walking due to damaged nerves in the feet, and issues with sight due to damage to the eyes. This can impede their day-to-day activities, and put them at a greater risk of falling. That is where home care comes in. Home care workers can help their clients get around where they need to go, and assist them with the everyday functions that may be challenging, such as reading mail, making meals, or transportation.
2. Medication Management
Diabetes is controlled through the use of insulin. Tracking a senior's blood sugar level is a full time job. Many seniors are capable of keeping track the majority of the time, but if their levels go too high or too low, it affects brain function and causes confusion. A disoriented senior may not be able to contact someone for help in time to get their blood sugar under control. A home care worker gives peace of mind for those with diabetes. The caregiver assists with medication monitoring, identifies symptoms of low or high blood sugar levels, and can get help in an emergency situation.
3. Improve Quality of Life
When there is quality life it means happiness, comfort and participation in life. At home care of your diabetic senior means they get to stay in their home, have company, garden, cook, come and go. They can transport to appointments, go to a movie, join a club, shop, meet a friend for lunch or just talk a walk. Quality of life is freedom to live as we like while maintaining health, loving relationships and individual pursuit of happiness.
4. Monitoring Blood Glucose
Regularly checking blood glucose is important to managing diabetes. However, decreases in dexterity or vision make it hard for some seniors to check their own blood sugars. Home health providers can help seniors check their blood sugars and teach them how to overcome these difficulties to check it themselves. They can also review blood glucose logs to help their health care provider make adjustments to their medications.
5. Meal Preparation
A healthy diet is important to managing blood sugar levels. Seniors with mobility, vision, budget, or transportation difficulties may not be able to prepare their own healthy meals. Home health providers help seniors plan appropriate menus, take them grocery shopping, and prepare meals. They also teach seniors about healthy eating to manage their diabetes.
