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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, well 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 bodys 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 bodys 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 natures 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 signsSome 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 bodys 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 cant 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 nights 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 diabetesManaging diabetes is a team effort, involving you, your loved ones, and your healthcare providers. Heres 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. Thats why weve 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 diabetesDiabetes, if left unchecked, can open the door to other health challenges such as: Heart disease Kidney disease Vision problems Diabetic Neuropathy But heres 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 supportNavigating diabetes in your golden years requires a delicate balance, but fortunately, you dont 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 youre seeking a care solution that adapts to the unique needs of living with diabetes, contact us today.  

Caring for a loved one with Parkinsons Disease can be quite the challenge due to its slow progression, often making it a prolonged, demanding commitment. However, amid its tough obstacles, there are also many rewarding moments youll experience as a caregiver. Its important to try to focus on the positives and to find love in each moment you spend with your loved one, even when their symptoms make it difficult.Parkinsons Disease SymptomsThe symptoms of Parkinsons can greatly vary between individualswhether that be the severity, rate of progression or type of symptom itself. Some common signs of Parkinsons Disease include:1 Anxiety Bladder symptoms Changes in mood or behavior Cognitive and memory issues Constipation Depression Difficulty swallowing or eating Fatigue Impaired balance and coordination Muscle stiffness Lightheadedness Loss of appetite Pain or tingling Sleep problems Slowness of movement Tremors in hands, arms, jaws, legs or head Its important to note that some of these symptoms may also occur with normal aging; however, you or your loved one should speak with a doctor if these symptoms worsen or begin to interfere with daily living.Tips for Managing Parkinsons at HomeIf your family member with Parkinsons wants to remain at home, they may need to modify their environment or lifestyle. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your loved one can safely remain at home, especially as the disease progresses. Adapt your home  Parkinsons affects peoples movements, balance and stability, so its important for them to live in a safe environment that is well-lit, free of clutter and well-organized. Avoid using excessive patterns throughout the home and install ambulation aids, such as grab bars, where necessary. Consider raising the toilet seat and the bed height, as well, to minimize fall risks at home.  Prepare for an emergency  Familiarize yourself with the fastest route to the nearest hospital in case an emergency arises. If your loved one is left alone often, consider buying emergency assistance technology, such as medical alert pendants.  Incorporate a nutritious diet  Nutrition makes a huge difference in all seniors lives, but especially those with Parkinsons Disease. Since this disorder stems from changes in the brain, foods that promote brain healthneuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich and high-antioxidant foodscan help minimize motor and non-motor symptoms. On the other hand, foods high in sugar or carbohydrates may worsen your loved ones symptoms.2 Talk to your doctor to figure out what changes in diet can help your loved one and what types of daily habits can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Stay well hydrated  Staying hydrated can help relieve digestive issues, especially constipation. If increasing your loved ones water intake leads to urinary incontinence or urgency, then you may consider adding food high in water content to their diet, such as tomato, cucumber, celery or grapefruit.2  Practice medication compliance  Its important for seniors with Parkinsons to take their medication as prescribed, as this will help treat motor and non-motor symptoms. Taking proper medication and incorporating a healthy diet may cause the medicine to be more effective. Some foods, especially those high in protein, can affect how quickly the medication is absorbed, used or metabolized by your body.2 Talk to your doctor to ensure your loved ones diet, prescription, and schedules align.  Engage in physical activity  Incorporating regular aerobics, strength training, agility workouts and stretching can help improve motor and non-motor Parkinsons symptoms.3 Seniors with Parkinsons Disease are encouraged to exercise shortly after taking medication and with a partner who can monitor them. Talk to your loved ones doctor or trainer to establish a workout routine that fits their unique needs.  Provide your best self  Parkinsons Disease is hard on everyone, from the individual to their friends and family. As a caregiver, you can only provide compassionate care to your loved one if you care for yourself as well. Be sure to identify your stress triggers and determine your limits. When its time for you to take a break, take one. Use that time to decompress so that when you return, youre able to be kind and patient with your loved one. Youre allowed to feel your emotions and to give yourself grace. Additional Care and Support for People Living with ParkinsonsCaring for a loved one with Parkinsons Disease can be difficult to navigate on your own. At HomeWell, our compassionate caregivers offer a specialized care approach that helps your loved one with Parkinsons navigate the disease and enhance their quality of life while aging in place. We also help provide you with peace of mind by taking some responsibilities off your plate, enabling you to truly focus on spending time with them for as long as you can. Sources: Parkinsons Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments | National Institute on Aging  Parkinsons Exercise Recommendations | Parkinsons.org  Nutrition and PD | Parkinsons.org   

The Mayo Clinic (www.mayo.org) states that in addition to financial limitations, physical, social, and psychological factors contribute to senior malnutrition, impeding seniors' ability to maintain a diet that provides the necessary balance of nutrients for healthful living.Below are leading contributing causes of senior malnutrition:Debilitating conditions that limit seniors ability to get out to shop, prepare meals and feed themselvesFixed incomes can prevent seniors from being able to purchase the groceries they need to stay nourished.Difficulty chewing and swallowing as a result of diseases such as Parkinson's, dry mouth caused by some medications, dental conditions, and poorly fitting denturesFrailty due to loss of muscle mass and fat, which can alter body chemistry, diminishing appetite, especially in seniors with serious illnessesMedications, such as some antidepressants, blood pressure, and osteoporosis drugs that diminish appetite alter the flavor of foods, and interfere with absorption of nutrientsReduced absorption of nutrients as a result of some physiological changes due to aging. For instance, in many seniors, reduced production of digestive enzymes and acids interferes with the breakdown of protein and absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B-12, folate, calcium, and iron. Some illnesses, such as gastrointestinal cancers, diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel disease, can also cause this problem.Diminished sense of taste or smell that often occurs with aging. Some medications and illnesses accelerate or intensify this loss, depriving seniors of some of the pleasure associated with eating. These factors can affect appetite. Bland, medically prescribed diets can have the same effect. Natural flavor enhancers like garlic, onions, and spices can help counteract this.Dementia, which often prevents individuals from recognizing the need to eat. Some people with dementia need to be reminded to swallow.Depression, due to multiple causes such as grief, loneliness, retirement, poor health, and medications. Depression affects about 6 million American seniors.Alcoholism, which is often a hidden problem in the senior population, decreases appetite, destroys nutrients, and negatively affects seniors ability to care for themselves How Comfort Keepers can helpComfort Keepers can provide the assistance needed to help promote heart health, starting with nutrition. Whether a special diet has been prescribed or all required is a healthier meal plan, our caregivers, who we call Comfort Keepers, work with our clients to ensure they benefit from foods that promote optimum wellness.At Comfort Keepers, we believe in Elevating the Human Spirit by providing our clients with both assistance and daily moments of joy. With the help of our trained Comfort Keepers, seniors can enjoy a healthy lifestyle while finding pleasure in the everyday moments that make life worth living.