Providing Effective Diabetes Care for Seniors

Are you caring for a senior who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes? Although people live successful, fulfilling lives with diabetes for years, it IS a serious illness. It’s also an illness in which the outcome is largely dependent on how well the patient is able to care for him or herself.

So if you’re providing diabetes care for a senior—especially if you’re not professionally trained-- there are some things you need to pay special attention to. The most important of these are outlined below.

Part of diabetes treatment involves testing one’s blood sugar up to four times a day with a glucometer, or blood glucose meter. It’s important for you to know how to use the glucometer and also to know the acceptable limits for results. These blood sugar readings are used to adjust medications up or down; keep a list of the doctor’s recommended levels and corrective actions to take when the blood sugar readings are not within acceptable limits.

Most diabetics take medication—either insulin or pills—more than once a day. The medication often has to be adjusted in response to blood sugar levels; again, it’s essential to have doctor’s instructions regarding medication adjustments. Your senior has probably been performing these tasks for years, but all the variables involved in self-care make it hard for anyone to remember. You’ll need to ensure your loved one remembers to test blood sugars and take medications appropriately.

The longer someone has lived with diabetes, the more sensitive the skin becomes and the more likely he or she is to suffer skin breaks and wounds that won’t heal. This is due to poor circulation, another long-term consequence of diabetes.

It’s important to check the elderly person’s skin, and monitor the body for open sores—especially on the feet at least every five to seven days. Skin wounds in persons with diabetes can quickly turn into gangrene and amputations—stay on top of this!

If the person you care for acts confused or disoriented, don’t assume this is part of the aging process. Often persons with diabetes suffer from nerve damage which makes it impossible for them to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar; this can lead to death if not treated promptly. Be vigilant and check the person’s blood sugar if you notice any unusual behaviors.

Following these suggestions will help to keep your loved one healthy, but if you feel overwhelmed as a caregiver, contact us. We provide caregiver training, respite care and complete professional in-home care.