According to the latest data, it’s estimated that over one in four seniors aged 65 and over live with diabetes. For many seniors, managing their diabetes while living in an assisted living facility is a straightforward process that includes careful consideration of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits.
However, diabetic patients who need insulin shots, along with their loved ones, should know how an assisted living facility can best meet their diabetic needs. Today, we’re taking a closer look at diabetic tips for seniors who are living in an assisted living facility and what you need to know if you are a caregiver.
Find the right assisted living care for your loved one. Contact Haven Health to learn more.
Key Dietary Considerations for Managing Diabetes in Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities can provide diabetes-friendly meals including menus that have sugar-free desserts. By helping tailor your loved one’s dietary needs around one’s diabetes diagnosis, you can help one manage their condition while empowering them to live a healthy lifestyle.
Incorporating Daily Physical Activity for Assisted Living Diabetes Patients
One of the best diabetic tips for elderly residents in an assisted living facility is incorporating daily physical activities into their schedule. When a diabetic patient incorporates recreational activities like regular walking, light cardio, strength training, and other activities, they can take control of their sugar levels, allowing them to live a healthier lifestyle.
What Role Do Caregivers Play in Managing Diabetes in Assisted Living Facilities?
Caregivers play a critical role in helping diabetic patients manage their diabetes in an assisted living facility, especially if an individual needs insulin shots.
Insulin shots are generally only able to be administered by nurses if the individual cannot inject themselves. This becomes difficult to manage if the assisted living facility does not have a nurse on call around the clock.
Assisted living caregivers can work with nurses to help curate diabetes regimens where insulin shots are administered and can oversee other critical factors like dietary management and lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity.
Ensure Proper Medication Management for Residents With Diabetes
Caregivers can also play a critical role in providing elderly diabetic care to residents who require medication management. If diabetic patients have a prescription for medications that will help them manage their diabetes, a nurse is not required to administer the medication, and a caregiver can fill that role.
Educate Residents and Staff About Diabetes Management
Having a trained and educated staff and knowledgeable residents who understand and are aware of different diabetes management methods is critical. Trained staff will know how to work with diabetes patients in an assisted living facility, what signs to look out for if health concerns arise, and they’ll have general insight into diabetes management best practices.
When looking for a senior care facility or an assisted living facility near you, pay close attention to the level of knowledge of the staff regarding diabetes management and best practices.
Best Practices for Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels in an Assisted Living Setting
Diabetic patients monitor their blood glucose levels through a finger stick device that uses a lancet which helps to measure blood sugar levels in a single drop of blood.
In an assisted living facility, all diabetic residents should have their own finger stick device and caregivers should never use the same lancet among other patients.
Additionally, caregivers should help elderly diabetes patients measure their fasting blood sugar levels by taking a blood sample early in the morning and by following the unique medical needs of each resident.
Finally, because assisted living facilities do not have round-the-clock care from trained nurses, assisted living facilities should have a structured blood glucose monitoring process in place.
Common Challenges Faced by Diabetic Patients in Assisted Living
Diabetic patients face a range of challenges while living in assisted living facilities. These challenges include:
- Limited access to care for mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and stress that accompanies their diabetes diagnosis
- Complex care regimen for diabetic patients who require insulin shots
- Caretaker’s ability to manage glucose control
- Vulnerability to other health concerns
How To Overcome These Challenges
While there are many health challenges diabetic individuals face, those challenges can be compounded in some elderly diabetic residents living in nursing facilities or assisted living facilities.
These facilities often do not have 24/7 care provided by an onsite nurse, and when medical challenges arise, it can be difficult to manage them.
A critical way to overcome these challenges is by ensuring your loved one’s assisted living facility has access to nurses, or trained staff who know how to work with diabetic residents. They can monitor care regimens, keep an eye out for complications, and monitor other health concerns.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Diabetes Specialist on Staff in Assisted Living Facilities?
A diabetic specialist can help your loved one to get the comprehensive medical care they need, regardless of how simple or complex their health conditions are. A specialist will know what to look out for, how to assess, and how to address a diabetic’s concerns.
How Can Family Members Support Their Loved Ones Living With Diabetes in Assisted Living Facilities?
Family members can support their loved one living in an assisted living facility through a variety of ways. They can:
- Keep up to date on their diabetic care regimen
- Advocate for their loved one
- Ensure their loved ones receive holistic care, including mental health support when needed
- Build a relationship with the care team for a positive outcome
- Talk to your loved one about how they are feeling
Contact Haven Health to learn more about our skilled nursing facility.
Sources:
Nazario, B. (2024). Best and Worst Foods for Diabetes.
7 Best Exercises for Seniors (and a Few to Avoid!). (2024).
Statistics About Diabetes. (2024).