As someone who is fiercely independent, I never imagined myself living in an assisted living facility. For that reason, when I was diagnosed with a serious condition, my doctor recommended home health care. It was a little bit intimidating for me at first, but before I knew it, I was living at home, receiving the care I needed from the comfort of my own bed, and getting stronger each and every day. I had such a powerfully positive experience with home health care that I started this very blog. Read more about how home health care could help you or your family members.
Diabetic seniors who live alone may be at risk for serious spikes in blood glucose levels, Tight control over blood glucose levels is crucial in the management of diabetes. Seniors with cognitive deficits, vision problems, or mobility issues may be unable to manage their diabetes without help. Here are some ways a home health company can help your diabetic loved one manage his or her blood sugar levels to prevent severe hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
Glucose Monitoring And Medication Management
Home health personnel can help ensure that the diabetic patient does not suffer from the ill effects of unstable blood sugar levels. If your loved one is unable to self-test because of arthritic conditions of the hands, poor vision, or dementia, the home care employee can perform glucose testing.
A home health company not only employs healthcare aides, but they also can provide your loved one with skilled professionals such as registered nurses. When a diabetic's blood glucose is monitored on a regular basis by a nurse, insulin injections can be administered so that the blood sugar does not fluctuate wildly. This will reduce the risk for a dangerous condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis.
The home care employee will also monitor your loved one for signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, including dizziness, lethargy, vomiting, confusion, shaking, and sweating. At the first sign of diabetic-related symptoms, the home care individual will check the blood sugar levels and then call the physician. If the doctor determines that the senior's condition is serious, an ambulance will be summoned.
Diet And Nutritional Support
It is essential that your loved one follow a diabetic therapeutic diet to help maintain healthy blood glucose levels. If the aging adult is unable or unwilling to cook, a home healthcare provider can prepare nutritious meals in accordance with the physician's dietary recommendations.
When diabetics consume a healthy diet, obesity is less likely to develop. Obesity can complicate diabetes, and may even raise the risk for diabetes-related kidney disease. The home health care employee can also help your loved one make healthy food choices, shop for groceries, and even develop a weight loss and exercise program, which are essential components in a diabetic treatment plan. Mild exercise and weight loss helps keep blood sugar levels from rising to dangerous levels.
If your aging loved one needs help to manage his or her diabetes, make an appointment with a home health company representative to learn more about their services.