Diabetes is one of the most common health concerns among older people. With the number of diabetes diagnoses growing annually, older Americans are the most impacted. The condition requires careful and consistent monitoring, too, which only further complicates matters for older people who may have difficulty with this.
Complications of Diabetes in Older People
Diabetes can cause further health complications in sufferers of any age. However, older people often bear the heaviest burden when it comes to symptoms of diabetes.
There are many common issues caused by diabetes:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst or hunger
- Blurred or interrupted vision
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss, despite a hearty diet
- Slow healing from lacerations, bruises, and other small wounds
As you might imagine, these complications can cause major issues for older people. Thousands of older people each year visit emergency rooms due to complications associated with diabetes and may suffer from heart or renal failure, require leg amputation, or even die as a result.
Even older people who act as caregivers for diabetics – such as spouses of those with diabetes – face increased risks of premature death and other complications. The stress of managing your own or a loved one’s diseases can be very trying and can lead to mental and emotional exhaustion over time.
Assisting Diabetic Older People Through In-Home Care
In-home personal care is a boon to many older people, regardless of health. Those who have health conditions requiring meticulous monitoring and treatment are even more likely to benefit from this type of care.
Patients with type 2 diabetes often don’t need as much insulin supplementation as those with type 1, but still require careful monitoring of diet and lifestyle. Having a professional in the home to provide assistance in this monitoring can be beneficial, since older people may have issues with remembering or keeping up with daily care tasks, meal prep, and more.
Older people with type 1 diabetes may require even more assistance, since glucose monitoring, insulin supplementation, and adjustment of devices such as insulin pumps may be a daily necessity. Medication may also be required. Staying on top of all of these details can make managing the disease on one’s own difficult, especially as a senior. Home care professionals can help older family members remember monitoring, medications, and help them make better dietary and lifestyle choices.
If you’re looking for help with in-home personal care for yourself or a loved one, contact the experts at Cypress HomeCare Solutions. Whether it’s everyday living assistance or specialty home care, we have what your family needs to keep life normal, regardless of health concerns.
