Posted on Nov 11, 2016
Seniors and Diabetes and In Home Care
As we age, we carry along wisdom and fond memories. We learn from past mistakes and we gain more confidence in our choices with each passing year. Along with gained knowledge and memories as we age comes a higher likelihood to be affected by diseases such as diabetes. With age comes an increased risk of complication in vision, heart, and hearing, so these diseases should be monitored closely.
When living with diabetes, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Keeping a chart of blood sugar levels will help to monitor and find ways to reduce possible health risks. It is helpful to have a physician review these charts to help decide if the treatment is working consistently.
Regular exercise is another way to cope with living with diabetes. Staying active is helpful for lowering glucose levels. The exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be effective. Simply taking a stroll around the neighborhood or around the local shopping mall will reap many benefits for the body.
When it comes to seniors living with diabetes, it is helpful to schedule regular doctor visits and check-ups. Vision and hearing screenings are useful in determining possible decline. Living with diabetes produces higher risk of eye problems such as damage to the retina and cataracts. Hearing tests are important because diabetes can cause nerve damage and blood vessels in the inner ear. Hearing loss is twice as likely in those who live with diabetes.
Living with diabetes is not an impossible task. Eating well-balanced and healthy meals is one way to live with diabetes effectively. Those who have diabetes tend to suffer from vitamin deficiencies so it’s necessary to incorporate vitamins B12, C, D, zine and magnesium, among other nutrients. Diets higher in fiber, protein and lower in carbohydrates seem to work best in the daily fight against diabetes. If a senior loved one lives alone, it can be helpful for a caregiver to come by at least once a week to prepare healthy and portioned meals that can be reheated. If there are well-balanced meals to choose from, the less likely a poor food choice will be made. Learning to cope with the disease with proper care will increase the quality of life.
If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent in home senior care and the many benefits of professional elderly care or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers to speak to a senior care specialist today 763-219-4383! The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Minnetonka provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Bloomington, Maplewood, Eden Prairie, Roseville, Richfield, Edina, Shoreview, North Oaks, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, and surrounding areas..