January 5, 2010

A Few Important Tips For Family Caregivers And In Home Elderly Seniors About The Symptoms of Diabetes From Carol Carbutti From Comfort Keepers In Wallingford, CT

By Carol Carbutti

Diabetes impairs the health and well-being of 16 million people in the United States, and senior citizens run a particular risk. Due to already existent challenges to their health and lifestyle, it is more difficult to diagnose elderly seniors with diabetes. Often other illnesses can mask diabetic symptoms.

Aging seniors with diabetes run a greater risk of complications like heart disease, stroke, and loss of limbs from poor circulation, kidney disease and even blindness.

Diabetes is a disease that hinders the body from making or using its own insulin, a substance in the body which transforms sugar into usable energy. There are two types of Diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2. Those who suffer from Type 1 are in most cases children or young adults. Type 2 accounts for 90%-95% of all diabetes sufferers, and is most often found in people over the age of 45.

The chance of getting Type 2 diabetes escalates as you age. Some 18% of our senior citizens over the age of 65 are sufferers. Those at risk usually have a history of Type 2 in their families, are overweight, get little to no exercise, or have problems with their cholesterol. African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic groups are at greater risk.

Family caregivers should observe their elderly parents and watch out for common symptoms and warning signs including frequent urination, extreme thirst and hunger.  Other signs in home caregivers should pay attention to are excessive weight loss, exhaustion and irritability.  Many senior citizens with diabetes ignore their symptoms and it goes unchecked until something major alarms them like blurred vision.  Personal care companions should also pay attention and keep track of frequent infections from cuts and bruises that heal slowly or won’t heal at all. If your senior parent or a private caregiver notice some of these symptoms then you should make an appointment for them to see doctor immediately especially if your elderly parents feel tingling or numbness in their hands, feet and if they complain about to many infections skin, gum, or bladder infections.

So what are your options if you’re elderly mom or dad have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes? For the most part, it’s a self-managed disease. The most important way to regulate your own diabetes is through diet and exercise. Losing weight if you are overweight, staying active and consistently keeping your blood sugar levels under control through self-monitoring will keep your diabetes symptoms and overall health in check. Your elderly parents will need access to supplies like meters, test strips, and insulin. These supplies are often covered through your health insurance policy.

It’s unfortunately difficult for elderly clients with diabetes to obtain and keep health and life insurance, but not impossible. Insurance options for seniors with Type 2 include Medicare Plan D, state programs like EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) and State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs (SHIP). Research your options online or talk to a healthcare agent.

Family members and caregivers need to encourage physical activity to promote healthy aging for retired in home seniors. You can try to find an age appropriate physical fitness program for your senior loved one at your local YMCA.  If your retired parents are homebound, chair exercises or just simple tasks like gardening and cleaning can be helpful. Check with your physician before beginning any physical regimen.

Related posts:

  1. COMFORT KEEPERS, AN IN HOME SENIOR CAREGIVING AGENCY OF WALLINGFORD, CT WOULD LIKE TO MENTION, TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND HOME CARE COMPANIONS, THAT A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF OUR ACTIVE HEALTY AGING SENIORS ARE OPTING TO STAY IN THEIR OWN HOMES WITH ASSISTANCE TO MAINTAIN A COMFORTABLE AND FAMILIAR ENVIROMENT Surveys by
  2. THIS WEEK WE WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT REBUILDING AN ELDERLY IN HOME SENIOR CITIZENS SELF ESTEEM AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO HAVE FAMILY AND PRIVATE CAREGIVERS WATCH FOR SIGNS OF DEPRESSION AND OTHER RELATED ISSUES Self estee
  3. Carol Carbutti, The Owner Of Comfort Keepers In Wallingford, CT Believes These Six Keys To Regular Exercise Will Benefit Our At Home Elderly Seniors While Promoting A Healthy Aging Lifestyle The benefi
  4. COMFORT KEEPERS OF WALLINGFORD, CT WOULD LIKE TO SEE FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND PRIVATE COMPANIONS TRY TO PREVENT FALLS AND ACCIDENTS IN OUR HEALTHY AGING SENIOR CITIZENS HOMES BY REMOVING OBSTACLES AND MAKING MINOR REPAIRS According
  5. CAROL CARBUTTI, THE OWNER OF COMFORT KEEPERS IN WALLINGFORD, CT; WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THE BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR OUR ACTIVE NON MEDICAL AT HOME SENIORS There are

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Topics: Uncategorized |

Comments

« Carol Carbutti, Owner Of Comfort Keepers Of Wallingford, CT Would Like To Wish Our Seniors And Their Families A Happy New Year and To Encourage Our Healthy Aging Parents To Exercise Daily | Home | Family Caregivers and Companions Should Try to Plan Weekly Outings for Homebound Elderly Senior Parents in Order To Raise Their Spirits. »