How to Take Care of an Elderly Family Member with Diabetes

Fountain of youth ? a myth that has has been passed on from generation to generation. According to the myth, anyone who drinks from it will be given the gift of eternal youth.

In reality, nobody is exempted. All of us will get old. And as we get older, our physical body changes along with the health condition. A common illness that affects many older people is diabetes.

Simple Fact about Diabetes

Diabetes is not a rare disease. In fact, a lot of people are suffering from this kind of malady. This is a lifelong illness wherein the level of sugar in the blood is very high. Caring for someone with this health condition is not very easy especially if it occurred to an elderly person. Surely, it would require more effort and double the patience.

Here are practical tips to take care of an elderly diabetic patient.

Get a Basic Understanding about the Disease

You don?t have to be a doctor or a medical practitioner to give care for an older person with diabetes. So true specially if the afflicted person is a family member. When caring for a diabetic patient, you need a basic knowledge about the illness. Educating yourself about the malady is very helpful in giving care specifically to an elderly. It doesn?t take a scientist to understand these things. Basic is enough, you don?t have to read the whole book regarding diabetes. You can do some research about the disease to learn more.

Familiarize the Menu Plan of the Doctor

Check out what foods are not allowed for the patient. Obviously, starchy and sugary foods are strictly not advisable. And so, it is important to keep an eye on what foods your elderly takes in. Be wary as they might sneak in. Learn how to say ?no? when the patient ask for something that is restricted. Elders tend to sulk when not granted what they want. So be sure to explain to them that food with sugar can cause glucose imbalance. Thus, putting the life at stake.

Learn How to Use Blood Sugar Meter

Get yourself familiarized on how to use, read and interpret the blood sugar device. Surely, there are so many modern medical equipment available on the market these days including blood sugar meter. Hence, you can easily find one that is simple to use. Never forget to jot down the readings as well as the time you give the insulin.

Watch out for Wounds and Bruises

Elders are very prone to falling down, stumble or bump. Be vigilant if your elder has wound, sore or bruise. If a diabetic patient has a wound, it will likely heal very slowly. In this case, it is at risk of infection causing more suffering to the elderly patient. Pay more attention to the lower part of the elder specifically on the legs and feet. If a wound is found, seek the help of the doctor.

Keep in mind that diabetic patients have special needs specially when the affected person is a senior citizen. That is why proper care is very essential. Also, you may give them a medical device that can alert you when they need you.

About the author. This guest post was written by Ashley O?connor. She is a social media writer who works with several successful establishments including Fall Alert, a provider of personal emergency response systems. When not writing, she just watches tv or reads books.

Source: http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/care-elderly-family-member-diabetes/

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