For more information about the author, click to view their website: Homewell Cares Edina
As we approach our golden years, the
likelihood of developing diabetes rises significantly. In fact, according to
the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one-third of seniors
have diabetes, and one-half have prediabetes. These numbers underscore the
unfortunate reality that many older adults face daily as they navigate this
condition. In this blog, we’ll delve into the types of diabetes, symptoms to watch
out for, and practical tips for managing it to help ensure that you or your
loved one continues to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
What
is diabetes?
At its core, diabetes is about the
body’s struggle with managing glucose, which is a vital source of energy for
our cells. When this process breaks down, it can lead to various forms of
diabetes, such as:
Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s defense
system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type of
diabetes affects millions, including a significant number of adults.
Type 2 Diabetes: Predominantly observed in adults, type 2 diabetes develops
when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce an adequate
amount. Lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, play a significant role
in its onset.
Prediabetes: Think of this as nature’s warning bell. Blood sugar
levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.
Alarmingly, 26.4 million seniors are in the prediabetic stages.
Understanding these forms of diabetes
is crucial, particularly as experts predict
that the number of seniors with diabetes will double for those between 65 and
74 years old and quadruple for those older than 75 within the next couple of
decades.
Recognizing
the warning signs
Some diabetes symptoms can be subtle
and easily mistaken for normal signs of aging. Being aware of these signs can
lead to early diagnosis and better management:
Frequent urination: This could be your body’s way of trying to flush out
excess sugar.
Excessive thirst: High blood sugar can lead to dehydration, making you
feel thirstier than usual.
Unexplained weight loss: When your body can’t use sugar for energy, it starts
burning fat and muscle, leading to weight loss.
Fatigue: High sugar levels can make you feel tired and worn out,
even after a full night’s sleep.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar can cause the lenses in your eyes to
swell, altering your ability to focus clearly. If left untreated, this symptom
can worsen rapidly and lead to permanent low vision complications.
Slow-healing wounds: High blood sugar affects your blood flow and causes nerve
damage, making it difficult for your body to heal wounds.
Frequent infections: Diabetes tends to weaken the immune system, making
you more susceptible to infections.
Lifestyle
tips for navigating diabetes
Managing diabetes is a team effort,
involving you, your loved ones, and your healthcare providers. Here’s how to
play your part:
Diet: Food is fuel. Opt for foods that stabilize blood
sugar, like whole grains, lean proteins, and colorful vegetables. These not
only nourish but also ensure steady energy.
Exercise: Gentle exercises like
walking can boost mood, tai chi can improve balance, and swimming offers a
full-body workout without stressing the joints.
Regular Check-ups: Stay informed about your health. Regular monitoring
can help tailor your management plan and catch potential issues early.
Medication: Sometimes, diet and exercise might not be enough.
Medications or insulin can help bridge the gap. Always consult with your doctor
about your medication options.
Living with diabetes day-to-day can be
challenging, especially for seniors. That’s why we’ve created a free,
easy-to-follow Trusted Tips guide to help you or your loved one navigate these
challenges with greater ease and effectiveness. Download
it today.
Potential
complications with diabetes
Diabetes, if left unchecked, can open
the door to other health challenges such as:
But here’s the good news: proactive
management can significantly reduce these risks. Regular check-ups, a balanced
diet, and consistent exercise are your best friends when it comes to keeping
the effects of this condition in check or preventing its onset entirely.
Managing
diabetes with support
Navigating diabetes in your golden
years requires a delicate balance, but fortunately, you don’t have to go
through it alone. Use these insights to help you recognize early signs and
cultivate healthy habits, empowering you or your loved ones to lead fulfilling,
healthy lives.
At HomeWell Care Services, we
specialize in providing personalized care that simplifies diabetes management
for seniors. Our services encompass everything from efficient medication
management to ongoing symptom monitoring, all designed to support your health
or that of your loved one on a daily basis. If you’re seeking a care solution
that adapts to the unique needs of living with diabetes, contact us today.
When someone you love has dementia, youll notice that things are changing quickly. When they make mistakes and fumble with the little things, our instinct is to correct and remind. Thats to be expected. After all, youre hoping that a little push and a dose of reality would be enough to lead them back to the person you know and love.As you will see below, corrections and reminders wont always work. Effective communication with a dementia patient requires an adjustment of expectations. In the following, well get you started.Forced choicesEveryone likes to have a choice. But having too many options can actually be confusing to a patient with dementia. Thats because their working memory is operating in limited capacity. Working memory is where the brain retains just the right amount of information to finish a task think of dialing a new phone number. So you can see how loss of working memory can be problematic in conversation and hinder decision-making.Thats where the forced choice method can lift that burden for your loved one, and cut the confusion. Watch the video here.Help with sequencingWe take basic daily tasks for granted: eating, standing, brushing our teeth. Though these tasks feel natural and automatic, we rely on the frontal lobe to help us complete these tasks. When someone is experiencing dementia, the brain degeneration can make them lose their ability to access this command center. When you see your loved one freeze, as if in confusion, you can help them through the basic task with sequencing, by breaking down the tasks into simple steps. This video about sequencing provides some examples.The therapeutic fibYou can never go wrong with the truth, or so youre taught. But when it comes to dementia and Alzheimers, the truth actually has a cruel side. Because when someone is living with degenerative memory, they sometimes lose track of key details of their loved ones. The fact that a partner or a child is deceased or gone can literally be forgotten. In cases like these, telling the truth can be devastating it will be as if theyre hearing this horrible news for the first time. This is where a therapeutic fib can get you both through the difficult moment, and this video explains how.Admit wrongdoing when youre rightSpeaking of truth, sometimes your loved one with dementia will get basic things wrong. They may insist, for example, that they cant possibly be a grandparent because in their mind, theyre only 25 years old! This can be a painful moment, because this represent a loss in your relationship with them and you want to hold on. But fighting these beliefs is futile. This video will show you how to gently move past the conversation.Repeating themselvesHearing the same story, especially if they think youre hearing it for the first time, can get frustrating. The wrong response is trying to make them understand theyve already told it. In this segment, well show you how to get through the moment.The important thing to remember is when a person has dementia or Alzheimers, the brain is going through massive changes. That can be difficult to take. Take a look at this video, Whats Happening to Their Brain?, so you can put yourself in their shoes. Understanding whats at work can go a long way in good communication when your loved one has dementia.Learn more about how we provide specialized care in our series Insights from Arthurs featuring educational videos from Arthurs Director of Development and Senior Care Consultant Deb Nygaard.
Memory care facilities play a crucial role in maintaining the independence and dignity of seniors living with cognitive impairments. For families seeking an assisted living facility in Burnsville, Minnesota, understanding how these facilities encourage self-sufficiency can provide peace of mind. Personalized Care Plans Each resident in a memory care facility receives a personalized care plan that caters to their unique needs. These plans are designed to balance support with opportunities for independence, ensuring that seniors engage in daily activities that promote self-reliance. This approach is integral to providing high-quality senior care in Minnesota. Structured Routines Memory care facilities implement structured routines that help residents maintain a sense of control over their lives. Predictable schedules and familiar environments allow seniors to manage their daily tasks with minimal assistance, fostering a sense of autonomy. This structured yet flexible environment is a hallmark of facilities offering waivered care services. Engaging Activities Regularly scheduled activities tailored to residents abilities are a cornerstone of memory care. These activities not only stimulate cognitive function but also encourage social interaction and personal growth. Residents are often given choices in their activities, which further reinforces their independence. Supportive Environment The physical design of memory care facilities is intentionally crafted to promote safe navigation and ease of movement. Clear pathways, labeled rooms, and accessible outdoor spaces allow residents to explore their surroundings confidently, reducing the need for constant supervision. This supportive environment is critical in offering 24 hour care without compromising independence. Dignity through Respectful Care Staff members in memory care facilities are trained to provide care that respects each residents dignity. This includes encouraging participation in personal care routines and respecting residents choices, which are essential in preserving their self-esteem and dignity. Memory care facilities like Cardenas Friendship Homes are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Families looking for compassionate care should contact us to learn more about our services.
Finding the perfect balance between wellness and community is essential for a fulfilling senior living experience. At an assisted living facility in Burnsville, Minnesota, residents enjoy a supportive environment where their health and social needs are prioritized. These facilities are designed to offer more than just assistance with daily activitiesthey provide a vibrant community where seniors can thrive, stay active, and enjoy meaningful interactions.When it comes to senior care in Minnesota, choosing the right environment can make all the difference. Facilities in Minnesota focus on delivering personalized care plans that address both physical and emotional well-being. From tailored health services to engaging activities, these care facilities ensure that seniors receive the attention they need while also fostering a sense of belonging and community.For those needing specialized support, waivered care services are an integral part of senior care. These services offer customized assistance for individuals with specific needs, such as advanced medical conditions or unique personal preferences. By incorporating waivered care into their senior living options, facilities can provide more comprehensive care solutions that cater to each residents requirements, enhancing their overall quality of life.Ultimately, senior living is about creating a space where wellness and community come together harmoniously. By choosing a facility that prioritizes both, seniors can enjoy a rich, fulfilling lifestyle surrounded by supportive peers and compassionate caregivers. Its about more than just meeting basic needsits about nurturing a thriving, engaged community that supports each residents unique journey.If youre looking for a senior living community where wellness meets community, contact Cardenas Friendship Homes today to explore our comprehensive care options and discover how we can support your loved ones needs.
Understanding the challenges of chronic conditionsCaring for chronic conditions is a daily struggle. Depending on the severity of symptoms, it can be physically demanding, emotionally taxing, and, at times, remarkably complex. Life at home and everyday tasks can also become increasingly more difficult, especially when managing the pain, symptoms and potential side effects of treatment and medications. Thats whywhen it comes to managing chronic conditionsquality of life can never be overlooked.What is chronic conditions support?Caring for chronic conditions requires a comprehensive, individually tailored approach to provide the best long-term outcomes. Chronic conditions are often characterized by their persistence and the need for continuous medical attention, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many others.At HomeWell, we offer a multi-faceted care approach for those managing their chronic conditions at home, with Care Managers and caregivers specially trained to provide the level of support needed. You can rely on us to:Monitor symptomsThe effects of the condition may change, and complications sometimes arise. Our caregivers keep a watchful eye to notify families and other care providers, if applicable, as situations arise.Promote healthy habitsOur team encourages and supports a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition and exercise.Provide emotional supportWe know chronic conditions take a toll; our caregivers can bring emotional comfort to clients as they adjust to their circumstances and validate their feelings.Deliver highly personalized careEvery care plan is crafted by a Care Manager to meet the unique needs of each individual and administered by a dedicated team of caregivers.Consider chronic conditions support if you or your loved one:Endures persistent health issues on a day-to-day basis.Finds value in receiving consistent and specialized assistance.Wishes to preserve your autonomy and self-sufficiency as you undergo treatment.Seeks to maintain or improve quality of life at home.Needs support with activities of daily living.