Caregiver: If your elderly loved one has diabetes or you suspect they have this health issue, it is crucial that you begin learning about this condition.

It is very important that your elderly loved one has regular doctor’s appointments, gets the reminders they need to take medication, and makes the best lifestyle decisions to manage the condition and to reduce complications. You and your senior’s caregiver can learn more about diabetes in the elderly starting right here today.

Caregiver: Type 1 Diabetes in the Elderly

Research shows that around five percent of people who have diabetes are in the Type 1 group. This type of diabetes happens when the body doesn’t make enough insulin. Insulin is the hormone the body needs to send glucose to the cells throughout the body. Most of the time, this type of diabetes will affect children and adults who are younger. However, that doesn’t mean that a senior citizen can’t develop the condition.

Some symptoms that you and senior home care providers may notice in your elderly loved one if they have Type 1 diabetes include:

• Increased hunger
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue
• More irritable than usual

If your elderly loved one doesn’t already have a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, yet they display some of these symptoms, you or a senior home care provider should take them to their doctor to discuss what is going on. Unfortunately, this type of diabetes can’t be reversed. However, there are treatments to help control it.

Caregiver: Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis

Your elderly loved one might have Type 2 diabetes. There are various reasons for this health problem including being overweight, beta-cell dysfunctions, genetics, abnormal glucose production, and high blood pressure.

Some of the symptoms that you and home care providers may notice in your elderly loved one if they have Type 2 diabetes include:

• Frequent infections
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Sores that are slow-healing
• Blurry vision

If your elderly loved one has these symptoms, make sure you or an elder care provider take them to see their doctor. There may be a range of tests that need to be done to determine if they do, in fact, have Type 2 diabetes.

If your elderly loved one does have this type of diabetes or they are in pre-diabetes mode,  there are some lifestyle changes they can make to try reversing the damage that is done. You can speak with your elderly loved one’s doctor to find out exactly what lifestyle changes they need to make. It would likely include a combination of exercising, eliminating unhealthy fats and eating better.

Caregiver: Conclusion

Now that you know more about diabetes in the elderly, you and your senior’s caregiver can keep an eye out for symptoms in your elderly loved one. If you already know they have any type of diabetes, you and the senior home care providers can work together to help them manage the condition. It may be as simple as giving medication reminders or you may have to help your elderly loved one stick to making lifestyle changes.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Caregivers in Lawrenceville, GA, and the surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

We provide home care in  Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

Sources

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/diabetes-older-people

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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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