3 Steps To Care For Diabetic Senior Family Members

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a part of the National Institutes of Health, "nearly one-third of U.S. adults age 65 and older have diabetes, while an additional 30 percent have pre-diabetes." Managing diabetes, which is a serious condition that occurs when the body cannot properly convert glucose into energy, can be particularly difficult for senior family members. Since there is no cure for diabetes and it requires daily management, its management often falls to caregivers and loved ones.

Here are some tips that will help create a winning health strategy for your elderly loved ones:

Get Regular Medical Visits

Regular medical care is important for those with diabetes. If small issues go unchecked, the incidence of complications is more likely. Some of these complications can even be life threatening. Complications may include:

• Blindness
• Kidney failure
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Cardio Vascular Disease

It is important for caregivers to be present for appointments to gain insight into their existing health status and to obtain helpful diabetes management tips because it is critical to avoid any medical oversights.

Assure Proper Nutrition

Diabetic nutrition is a complex subject, and getting the advice of a nutritionist is a great step in helping the senior with diabetes and the caregiver plan meals that are convenient and healthful. Once you have all the information and advice on a healthy diet, there are additional topics for your loved one that will assure they are getting the proper nutrition.

• A fixed income as well as the mobility issues may play a part in not getting proper nutrition.
• Staying on a plan requires plenty of encouragement.
• Developing new lifestyle changes in eating will require ongoing assistance from caregivers.
• Senior centers are a great resource for finding meal assistance programs such as Meals on Wheels.

Be Encouraging

Major barriers exists for senior family members with diabetes such as lack of motivation, support and information. Even when a senior is involved in a developing a diet and exercise plan, lack of confidence or lack of noticeable symptoms may play a role in carrying it out long-term. To help in the management of the disease, consider these things:

• Senior support groups may help provide peer support
• Positive encouragement can go a long way in motivation.
• Preplanning for difficult to manage situations, such as social event and holidays boost confidence.
• Encourage your older loved ones to become a leader and advocate on the subject and beat discouragement in its tracks.

Although diabetes can be difficult to manage remembering these guidelines can help caregivers assure that elderly family members with diabetes says as healthy as possible.