Living with diabetes can be challenging, especially for the 33% of seniors aged 65 and up living with this chronic condition. 

Diabetes affects how food converts into energy. The majority of people who have diabetes have type 2, and over half of all type 2 diabetes patients are over the age of 65. 

Diabetic Care Needs for Seniors

Symptoms will differ between individuals but commonly include the following. 

• Increased dehydration 
• Excessive fatigue
• Skin infections and sores 
• Weakness, dizziness, and fainting 
• Blurred vision 

These symptoms can add additional challenges for those needing care, but in-home caregivers can provide the additional support necessary to effectively manage diabetes. 

How Can Home Care Help?

Home care gives seniors with diabetes the ability to retain a sense of independence and age comfortably within their homes. Although home care is non-medical, there are several ways that a professional in-home caregiver can aid an aging loved one with diabetes. 

Help Manage Medication

Medication comes in the form of pills or insulin injections from a syringe or pump and helps those with diabetes control blood sugar levels. 

A caregiver can help your loved one stay organized with their medication and remind them to take it. 

Keep Appointments with their Health Care Team 

Seniors who are managing diabetes may need to visit their physician more often than someone without diabetes. Getting to appointments is an added challenge for the many seniors who lose their ability or desire to drive as they age. 

Home care professionals offer transportation services to help supplement those needs. 

Make Healthy Meals

Diet is extremely important for adults with diabetes. Healthy meals control blood sugar levels and fuel your loved one to be more active throughout the day. 

Caregivers can prepare meals for your loved one that appeals to their tastes, follows their unique dietary restrictions, and meets their nutritional needs.

Encourage Appropriate Exercise

Movement is important for all aging adults, especially those managing diabetes. Exercise helps the body convert blood glucose into energy and promotes a healthy weight. 

Non-medical home care providers can monitor and encourage exercises that are safe for your loved one to do, as well as assist with household duties that keep your loved one active.

Be a Positive Source of Encouragement 

Most importantly, a home care professional will be a source of positivity in your loved one’s life, ensuring that they won’t navigate their health concerns alone and improving their overall quality of life. 

HomeSpark’s Non-Medical Diabetes Care

Our professional HomeSpark caregivers are trained to provide non-medical in-home care services in the Bryan/College Station area, allowing your loved one to receive the day-to-day help that they need with diabetes management.

Contact us today to learn more about the services that we provide.