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November marks the American Diabetes Month, and without a cure for diabetes, communities need to continue coming together to educate and lift each other in the fight against diabetes. Among American seniors, it is estimated that 14.3 million (26.8%) seniors, diagnosed or undiagnosed, have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association in 2018. This is a very high percentage among seniors given the vulnerabilities that come with age. Most seniors with diabetes opt to manage the condition at home with the help of a home care professional. This article shares the importance of home care for seniors with diabetes.

• Medication Management

For most seniors, keeping track of the different types of medication they are expected to take in a day can be very overwhelming. Some tend to forget taking the medication while others take more than the prescribed dosage. A home care professional will ensure that all the diabetes medication is taken in time and as per the recommended dosages. In addition to this, they will also ensure that prescription is refilled when it runs out or thrown away when it goes bad.

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• Monitoring Health Vitals

Blood sugar is a critical element in diabetes management that requires consistent monitoring. It can be difficult for some seniors to understand how to test their blood sugar levels and how to interpret the results. A home care nurse plays a vital role in such tasks as they can determine whether the medication is working as the physician expects. They can also recommend a change if the patient is having an unexpected reaction with the medicine.

• Meal Planning and Preparation

Diet plays a very crucial role for diabetic seniors as they have to consume certain foods while altogether avoiding others moderately. With the help of a home care caregiver, all meals are planned to ensure that seniors will get the required nutrients. Additionally, the food is always available, which ensures that they do not miss any meals.

• Appointment Reminder and Accompaniment

A home care caregiver will ensure that all medical appointments are made and that the senior is accompanied during every visit. Not only does this help the doctors keep track of how they are doing, it ensures that the medication is working as expected. Accompanying an individual to the hospital makes them feel less alone and care for, which is quite beneficial for seniors.

• Personal Care and House Keeping

Diabetes is accompanied by fatigue which can make it difficult for senior citizens to attend to daily activities such as personal care and housekeeping. Professional home care caregivers can step in for such tasks to allow seniors the time and strength they need to focus on getting relief from symptoms.

• Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise plays an essential role in managing diabetes; therefore, home care professionals will ensure that seniors are active to minimize some of the symptoms of diabetes, such as fatigue.

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