According to studies, more than 20% of all seniors over the age of 65 have diabetes. If your senior parent is one of them, you may need to help your mom or dad adapt to living with diabetes.
Diabetes is manageable for most people, so with some help, your mom or dad may be able to live quite well at home with diabetes. But, your mom or dad will need to make some lifestyle changes in order to manage their diabetes.
After being diagnosed with diabetes, your mom or dad may have a hard time learning how to check their blood sugar and do other tasks that are essential for managing diabetes. If you have to work or you have small children to care for, you may not always be able to be there for mom or dad to help them.
In-home care for seniors is a great option if you can’t visit your mom or dad every day. If your mom or dad has in-home care, an experienced care provider can help your mom or dad with things like checking their blood sugar, encouraging them to move more, and helping them prepare healthy meals.
Along with in-home care services, some other things that you can do to help your mom or dad after they have been diagnose with diabetes are:
Educate Them About Diabetes
Understanding diabetes is the first step to managing it effectively. Help your mom or dad learn about their condition, including how blood sugar levels work, the importance of a balanced diet, and the role of medications or insulin.
Use simple explanations and reliable resources like brochures, books, or online videos. You can also attend doctor’s appointments with them, either in person or virtually, to make sure that the doctor answers any questions that your mom or dad has.
Help Them Eat Healthier
Diet plays a central role in diabetes management. Help your parents plan meals that are balanced, nutritious, and diabetes-friendly.
If cooking is difficult for them, consider preparing meals in advance or arranging a meal delivery service offering healthy options. If your mom or dad has in-home care, a caregiver can make and share meals with your mom or dad to help them make better meal choices.
Set Up a Blood Sugar Monitoring Routine
Monitoring blood sugar regularly is essential for managing diabetes. Help your parent establish a routine for checking their levels and recording the results.
Show them how to track their readings in a logbook or use a smartphone app designed for diabetes management. Regular monitoring helps them understand how their lifestyle choices affect their blood sugar levels and adjust as needed.
Stay Alert for Complications
Diabetes that isn’t managed can cause serious health problems for your mom or dad. Your senior parent could experience health problems like foot infections, vision problems, or cardiovascular issues if they aren’t managing their diabetes.
Having in-home care is the best way to prevent any potential complications before they become serious.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Palo Alto, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400
Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.
Source:
- Tips For Helping A Senior Parent Who Has Diabetes - January 10, 2025
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