Home Care Services for the Diabetic Patient in Flowery Branch, GA

In the United States alone, 21 million Americans have been diagnosed with some type of diabetes. Estimates state that another 8.1 million are undiagnosed cases. These figures are from the American Diabetes Association and are the most recent numbers tallied in 2012. That accounts for 9.3 percent of the entire population of the country. For those who rely on home care services, it is important to understand a few facts about diabetes.

Not everyone will know that they have diabetes. There are several potential indicators, or symptoms, that a person may exhibit who potentially have one of the 8.1 million cases of undiagnosed diabetes. Symptoms commonly associated with diabetes may include:

• Being thirsty
• Excessive weight loss
• Increased hunger
• Irritability
• Blurry vision
• Frequent urination
• Wounds that don’t heal properly
• Extreme fatigue that can’t be explained
• Numbness in the hands or feet
• Skin or gum infections

Regardless of the person’s age, the in-home care provider should be paying attention to the potential signs or symptoms of diabetes. This is especially true for those patients who have not been diagnosed with diabetes.

Who can get diabetes?

Anyone is potentially susceptible to getting diabetes. However, the risks of acquiring this disease increases whenever there is a family history of diabetes. Obesity, high cholesterol, being physically inactive, and high blood pressure are also risk factors of the disease. When you have worked with an elderly individual, you will realize that many of these risk factors are inherent in the elderly.

People over the age of 40 and who are overweight are far more likely to develop diabetes than somebody younger who is in shape.

The types of diabetes.

There is basically a Type 1 and Type 2 form of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can usually be treated by adjusting the patient’s diet. This would include avoiding sugar, getting in better physical shape, and losing weight. The vast majority of cases are of Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes will require insulin on a regular basis for treatment. This is a more dangerous form of the disease and if the patient is not careful, it can be fatal.

An in-home care provider who is working with the patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes should be aware of the type of diabetes that they have as well as proper treatment options. They should encourage the patient to eat healthier and avoid sugar intake.

If a person requires home care services, they should let the in-home care provider know about their diabetes right away.

The caregivers at Home Care Matters are available to talk with you and your family about all of your elder care needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care services in Flowery Branch, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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