Life Can Still Be Sweet: 3 Ways To Help A Senior With Diabetes

Blog  |  March 4, 2021

Seniors With Diabetes May Need Help To Stay Happy And Healthy.

Diabetes is a serious health condition that can affect a senior’s health and quality of life in some very significant ways. 48% of people with diabetes in Canada are over 65 years old. Because a senior with diabetes may also be living with other ongoing health concerns, managing diabetes is different for older adults. It comes with additional risks and complications. 

Long-term, seniors with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease,  osteoporosis, and experiencing poor mental health. In the day-to-day, diabetes presents senior adults with a lot of moving parts to manage. Medications, injections, dietary guidelines, and blood sugar testing protocols have to be scheduled and performed regularly. Managing diabetes can be stressful and make life seem a little less sweet. 

3 Ways You Can Help Make Life With Diabetes Sweeter For Seniors.

First and foremost, if you are supporting a diabetic senior, take the time to learn about the condition. Understanding how diabetes affects the body, the signs of low or high blood sugar, and which medications and testing equipment your loved one is using will make you a more effective support person. Diabetes Canada has some wonderful resources but the best way to learn is by talking with your loved one and their healthcare provider. 

Once you have a better understanding of diabetes, you can start thinking of ways to help out. To start, there are three little things you can do to make a big difference in the quality of day-to-day life. By helping your senior loved one stay on top of their medication and testing, eat a healthy diet and get active, you can make life less stressful which leaves more room for joy and fun. 

Help A Senior With Diabetes Manage Medications And Testing.

Testing blood sugar levels and taking prescribed medications on schedule is an important part of managing diabetes. For seniors who are already taking other medications, things can add up and become a lot to remember. Help your senior loved one organize medications in a pill case with the help of a pharmacist. Schedule reminders for daily medications and prescription refills in a phone or on a calendar. If a more streamlined and automated system would make things easier, speak to an in-home senior care team like Comfort Keepers Peterborough about trying a medication management system like Karie: Medication Made Simple. 

Medications, injections and testing are critical to managing diabetes. Helping create a simple system for medication management can take a lot of stress off of a senior’s plate. Spending less time worrying about medications means there is more time for enjoying life. 

Take On Grocery Shopping And Meal Preparation.

An essential part of managing diabetes is monitoring and maintaining blood sugar levels. This involves sticking to a healthy diet. While that might sound simple enough, for many seniors things like transportation, budget, mobility and dexterity can all be obstacles between them and a healthy, home-cooked meal. 

Meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation is a meaningful way to help your senior loved one manage their diabetes. Spending the time together cooking and ensuring that there are delicious meals and snacks easily available is guaranteed to improve a senior’s quality of life. It will also allow for real moments of joy and connection. 

Diabetes Canada has a library of diabetes-friendly recipes available online to get you started. 

Finding Joy By Getting Out And Staying Active.

As we saw above, seniors with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Likewise, managing weight plays a role in managing heart health, circulation, blood sugars and mood all of which can be problem areas for a diabetic senior. Helping your parent or senior loved one stay (or get) active is simple, enjoyable and effective for managing their diabetes. 

After getting the green light from a healthcare professional, join the senior adult in your life for walks, gardening, yoga, or (in the fine weather) a swim at a local beach or wellness centre. Exercise doesn’t have to be vigorous to be effective. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, getting the body moving lifts the spirit, strengthens the heart, and brightens everyone’s day. 

Comfort Keepers Peterborough Can Help Support A Senior With Diabetes. 

With a little help, life can be sweet for seniors despite managing diabetes. Taking an active role in learning about the condition and how it is managed will make you an effective support for the senior in your life. If additional supports are needed, Comfort Keepers Peterborough offers in-home senior support. Our caregivers are ready to support our senior clients in managing diabetes and living their happiest and healthiest life. To learn more or to book an in-home assessment, contact us today by calling 705-243-4042 or filling out our online contact form.

Share This Post: