According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), more than 25 percent of the aging population suffers from diabetes. In addition, there are about a million Americans aged 65 years or older who get diagnosed with the said condition every year.
With this information, it isn’t that difficult to see that diabetes is among the most common medical conditions that senior citizens usually suffer from. But as luck may have it, this type of illness is not at all that disruptive.
If you’re one of the individuals who have old family members with diabetes, worry not. There’s still a way to assist them in living a fruitful and eventful life despite their condition. So without further ado, here’s how you can help them manage their disease better.
1. Do Lots of Research About Diabetes
There is significant value to information. Thus, one of the essential things to do before diving into a venture is actual research. If you want to give your aging family member the proper care, it only fits that you get to know more information about their disease. In this way, you know just what to do when a particular circumstance arises.
Furthermore, there are different types of diabetes. It’s critical to know the difference, as they require varying treatment and medications. So before you do anything, make sure you are informed and updated about what diabetes is all about.
2. Tag Along in Doctor Appointments
Diabetes usually requires patients to keep going back and forth between various medical professionals to monitor their progress and closely monitor their condition. Aside from a primary care physician, they also need to visit a podiatrist, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, and many more.
It would be helpful to have a companion in such circumstances, as it is relatively difficult for old people to move around the city by themselves. Furthermore, you can also use this opportunity to list down helpful information to ensure that your family member follows through with what their doctors advise them to do.
3. Act as Pillar for Emotional Support
Researches by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that 7 million American adults experience depression every year. While this number is not alarming, it still does not eliminate the fact that the elderly are pretty prone to depression and anxiety.
Additionally, it’s rather easy for aging family members to think of themselves as a burden. Hence, it would be excellent to provide emotional support during this time of crisis for them not to feel that way.
4. Assist With Medication Management
Statistics estimate that 40 percent of the aging population suffers from age-associated memory impairment in the United States. And even without this data, it’s a given fact that people usually forget things as they grow older.
With that said, it would be helpful to oversee medication management to make sure that your beloved elderly are taking their medicine at the right time. Note that proper management of pills and medications is an integral part of managing the disease. Thus, it’s only suitable that you check on this from time to time as well.
5. Provide Professional Medical Assistance
It’s nice to be involved in helping your loved ones manage their disease, but there’s only so much you can help with if you’re busy. That said, it would be excellent to keep an open mind when it comes to seeking professional home health services.
Hospice care at home can help people receive professional assistance in the comfort of their own homes. So if your aging loved one is living a wee bit far away from you, having home health medical personnel can give you the peace of mind that everything is taken care of during your absence.
Conclusion
It can be pretty challenging for seniors dealing with complex health challenges to keep a positive mind frame and healthy lifestyle. Hence, it would be good to get yourself involved in managing their disease so they’d be encouraged to work hard in making real progress.
Give your senior loved one the necessary support and care in the face of adversity through Bridge Home Health & Hospice. We provide home care services from trained therapists and clinicians who have ample experience assisting patients in managing various medical conditions such as heart problems and diabetes. Give us a call today!
