Seniors and Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people. Whether their body does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin does not work as it should, this can be dangerous to their health. Keeping diabetes in check can help to enhance health and wellbeing as well as reduce the risk for developing complications. When blood sugar is not controlled correctly, it can lead to heart problems, vision problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, hearing loss, and more.

As seniors age, it is especially important that they stay on top of controlling their diabetes. Changes in their mental and physical health can impact their lifestyle and affect the way that they care for themselves.

• Monitor blood sugar: Make sure that blood glucose readings are taken before and after meals and whenever the person is not feeling quite right. This helps to ensure that blood sugar is not getting too high or too low and that the proper steps can be taken to keep it balanced.
• Manage diet: Pay attention to what you are eating. Make sure that you understand how foods translate to carbohydrates, protein, and sugar, and that any caregivers understand as well. When eating with your loved one with diabetes, try to have the same meal so that they are not tempted by something that they shouldn’t have.
• Stay active: Regular exercise can help to keep blood glucose levels more stable. It also helps to keep the body healthier, which can reduce risk of other complications. Pick activities that are easy and enjoyable. Walking, gardening, swimming, or playing catch are all good ways to stay active. If they enjoy going to the gym, look into available classes for seniors, and a location that is nearby.
• Be alert to any changes: Stay alert for any changes in your senior’s behavior, or physical or mental health. This can include things such as extreme hunger or thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, confusion, and numbness in the hands or feet. These can all be signs that blood sugar is not balanced or the person may be developing diabetes.

One of the most important things is for seniors to be aware of how to best care for themselves as they age, and how to keep their diabetes in check. This means working with their physician, family, and caregivers, to ensure that they have not only the testing materials and nutritious foods that they need, but also continued education. If dementia or Alzheimer’s is an issue, it can be even more important for family and caregivers to stay involved and help with monitoring. With proper education and support, seniors can effectively monitor their diabetes and enhance their health.

Winterizing Your Senior's Home

For elderly individuals who are aging in place, caring for the home may be a bit of a challenge. While they might be able to keep up with daily chores and minor repairs, winterizing their property may prove a bit difficult. For this reason, senior care professionals encourage family members to step up and help out. Below are some of the ways in which eldercare providers note that seniors need help in preparing their homes for harsh winter weather.

Cleaning out gutters

The gutters around the home keep water moving away from the structure, and as such protect the property. But this is only true if they are kept in good repair. Clogged gutters can cause massive amounts of damage to a structure, so it's important that they are cleaned at least twice per year. Removing all leaves, twigs, and other debris after the fall season is the best way to prepare the gutters to take on the winter weather. 

Fix air and water leaks

From space that has grown in door jambs due to the settling of the home and warping of the door frame to leaks in faucets, these problems need to be taken care of in order to create the most comfortable living space possible. Go through the house and check for any air coming in through door and window frames. Additionally, check and fix any leaking faucets or dripping pipes. 

Update insulation

This project is on a bit of a larger scale, but it is certainly important when winterizing a home. Check the attic insulation in your senior's house to ensure that it is up to code and in good repair. If necessary, replace the insulation with an energy-efficient version that will both keep the home more comfortable and lower energy bills. 

Have the chimney inspected

Cold weather calls for cozy fires, but this can prove dangerous if your senior's chimney isn't clean. Have a chimney sweep come inspect the chimney and determine if any upkeep needs to be performed or if it is good to go another year before a cleaning. 

Winterizing your senior's home is an extremely important way in which you can show your love and appreciation for your elderly loved one.  

Holiday Activities for Seniors

This holiday season, it's important to ensure that your elderly loved one is included in the festivities. Home care providers know that, for many seniors, the holidays can be bittersweet. Eldercare professionals explain that elderly individuals may feel isolated or may become depressed due to seasonal trends and the inability to spend time with family and friends. So to keep your loved one in the holiday spirit and show your appreciation for your senior, below are some great activities that you may consider this season.

• Go caroling. If your loved one loves to sing, take a trip around the block singing their favorite holiday tunes. You can go the traditional route and knock on doors, or you can simply sing along the street for anyone who is interested in hearing. Invite family and friends to come along to make this occasion even more memorable. 
• Have family pictures taken. This is an activity that will benefit all involved. Your family members will all have beautiful portraits to display in their home. Additionally, you will have the chance to make great memories with your loved ones during the photo shoot. Make sure to frame one of the best pictures and put it under the tree for your senior. 
• Host a holiday party. Oftentimes, seniors love socializing but have a difficult time getting out and about in the cold weather. Instead, try hosting a holiday party! You can have it at your house or your senior's home, whichever works best, and can invite family and friends to come celebrate the season together. Make sure to include your senior in the planning process so that they have a hand in deciding upon the refreshments, entertainment, decorations, etc. 
• Make Christmas stockings. There are countless patterns out there for simple Christmas stockings that your family members can make. Either help your elderly loved one make them for all of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren or have a stocking making party and invite everyone to attend! This will provide family members with a great keepsake from your senior—and will allow them to cherish this stocking for years to come. 

The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate your love for family and friends. With these activities, your senior will certainly enjoy the season!