Leslie Newlife

Tips for Caring for Your Elderly Parents

Looking after aging parents can drain you both physically and financially. Today’s lifestyle is extremely demanding, and you may struggle to juggle work and your senior parents’ well-being. Here are tips to keep your parents happy, healthy, and comfortable without compromising your well-being and peace of mind:

1.    Hire an in-home caregiver

When you have siblings, friends, and extended family by your side, the burden of caring for your parents reduces significantly. Even when those close friends and relatives are not available physically to help with cooking, transportation to doctor appointments, laundry, and other tasks, they can contribute toward hiring professional senior care services. Care companies such as Husky Senior Care offer in-home care packages tailored to suit specific needs. Before hiring, ensure you understand your parents’ needs, so you choose a package that gives you the best value for your money.

2.    Organize doctor visits

Older adults may become forgetful, stubborn, or too weak to take themselves to the doctor. When this is the case, you need to be there to ensure all doctor appointments and hospital visits are adhered to.

Keep your parents’ health in mind when looking for a caregiver. Some in-home care packages do not cover hospital trips and other medical needs.

3.  Eat healthily and exercise.

Keeping your parents healthy and physically fit doesn’t need adopting an extreme home workout regime. You can achieve it by ensuring they develop a habit of going for morning and evening walks.

Consider merging their exercise routine with yours, so you can monitor them more easily and spend time together without tweaking your schedule.

Additionally, pay attention to your parents’ diet plan. At their age, they may not consume much, so it is important to ensure the little they feed on has enough nutrients to keep them going.

4.  Take care of yourself.

Caregiving can be exhausting, whether you are taking care of your loved one or you are a professional caregiver. Over time, many caregivers develop burnout, an emotional state characterized by weight gain, sleep problems, fatigue, social isolation, and a feeling of hopelessness.

When this happens, you may not serve your aging parents as well as you should. Your productivity at work may also take a dip.

Find ways to take care of your mental and physical health, so you are always fresh and in the mood for caregiving.

5.  Make your home safe.

Slips and falls on slippery floors, down the stairs, etc. are not uncommon occurrences. The elderly are more prone to these falls, and their weak bodies are more vulnerable to severe injuries.

Structural modifications are essential if you want to keep your aging parents safe from accidents. Consider installing staircase railing, adding grab bars to your walk-in shower, and using low-pile carpet if any of them uses a wheelchair.

Endnote

We all want to see our parents happy, healthy, and secure in their old age. This can be tiring and life-altering. The above tips will help you find the easiest route to effective caregiving and ensure that your parents’ well-being doesn’t slow down your life.

3 Myths About Aging Every Senior Should Debunk

No one can ever escape from the aging process. Our bodies grow just a little older each passing day, so science hasn’t been able to stop it.

However, there are myths about aging that, unfortunately, have affected how many people take care of themselves. There are just too many health issues that many think are part of natural aging, so they tend not to seek treatment.

In this article, we bring these myths to life in hopes of effectively debunking them once and for all.

Pain is an inevitable part of aging.

It’s true. When we age, we lose a lot of things: the suppleness of our skin, the dark tones of our hair, and even some of our energy to have fun. However, this process of losing does not really have to involve physical pain. Anyone who says otherwise is severely mistaken.

When there is a body part that feels painful or has been a source of discomfort for a while, you need to have yourself checked. Pain or prolonged discomfort means that something is wrong, and you have to intervene to rectify it. Pain management specialists at firms like https://www.seattlepainrelief.com/ are going to be helpful in this regard. You can also speak to your general physician about a referral.

Memory loss is normal.

You’ve probably read that we start losing brain cells or neurons without replenishing them at around age 30. However, we have so many neurons in our brains that even sustained losses for years cannot easily impair our brain. Besides, it’s not really the quantity that matters so much when it comes to neurons; it’s the strength and complexity of the connections that we form among these cells.

Given that, you should really say goodbye to the notion that memory loss is a normal part of the aging process. It’s really not. This forgetfulness might be a sign of a mental illness such as dementia. It would help if you got the advice of a psychological health expert to manage this condition well.

Sensory difficulties are normal and irreversible.

When we portray or illustrate older adults, many of us paint a picture of a weak and imbued person with many sensory challenges such as nearsightedness and difficulty in hearing. Just because many old people suffer from these conditions doesn’t really mean that these are already part of the aging process. Like the other two, they’re not.

Any person can become old while retaining their sensory functions. As with the other two, if you are experiencing issues with your eyes and ears now, have them checked and treated. As long as there are known cures, you shouldn’t just live with these impairments.

Just because impairment is common among older adults doesn’t really mean they are already part of the aging process. You have to understand that it’s not really aging that caused them per se, it’s the series of bad health decisions. As such, they are totally preventable by simply being more mindful of our health by eating right, sleeping enough, and working out.

3 Activities that Keep Seniors Mentally Alert

Many people are wrongfully led to believe that memory loss is a normal component of the aging process. It’s not. Everyone can grow old with their memories of themselves and their loved ones still intact. In fact, losing such crucial memories is a disorder that we should try to avoid.

Fortunately, there are many things that a person can do to lower their risk of developing memory altering disorders. In this article, we present three of the most effective strategies.

Physical exercise

Growing up, we’re told that a good amount of physical exercise keeps our body strong and resistant to a wide range of physiological maladies. There are also some who exercise to enhance their physique. Many want washboard abs, bulging biceps, and firm chests.

In addition to all those, exercise has also been shown to have a significant impact on the mind. Specifically, it helps people to be more cognitively focused and more mentally alert. With this, people from all age groups should include a reasonable amount of physical exercise in their routines. Of course, everyone– especially our beloved seniors– should not forget to consult with their physicians or healthcare providers before they start any workout program.

Bingo

Bingo is a game of luck, but it is among the most common games played in day centers and homes for the aged. Small groups or big groups are no problem for this game. All that this game needs is bingo cards and numbered bingo balls for raffle. The objective is simple: a game admin just keeps on drawing bingo numbers from the raffle until a predetermined pattern is formed on someone’s bingo card. Of course, the numbers on the cards are randomly determined. Those who want to participate should just hope that the numbers on their card are the lucky ones drawn!

Because it’s done in groups, bingo is a good way to encourage socialization. Through every game session, our beloved senior family member can interact with other old people. They can also interact with their families and caregivers!

We just have to be careful that no hot-tempered fellow is allowed into the game group. We surely don’t want to put an elderly loved one in a situation where they could be assaulted and require the services of legal professionals such as an assault attorney to settle disputes.

Control over their lives

Children and other family members often make the mistake of taking over the elderly person’s life. Caregivers let their beloved seniors sit in a corner as they do all the things– from cleaning to cooking to washing the dishes– for them.

The intention is oftentimes noble. They just want the senior members of the family to be as comfortable as possible. But this can actually do more harm than good. To prevent the decay of both their bodies and minds, seniors must never be made to feel that they are useless or a burden for anyone. For as long as they are still able, they should still be afforded the freedom to do what they want when they want it. The most that we caregivers can do is to make their environment safer.

Taking care of seniors is not an easy task. All steps that we take must be with purpose and informed by scientific insight.

The Longest Day – June 20, 2020

The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. On June 20, thousands of participants from across the world come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. Together, they use their creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

While participation in The Longest Day may look a little different this year due to physical distancing, the Alzheimer’s Association has plenty of fun ideas you can do at home to engage family, friends and coworkers.

IDEAS FOR YOUR AT-HOME OR ONLINE FUNDRAISER

SPORTS AT HOME

Create your own sporting event using supplies from around the house, and ask friends to do the same from their homes. For example, set up a putt-putt course or a bowling lane with plastic bottles as pins. Over video conference, participants can donate to compete and vote for the titles of MVP, best-designed course, best-dressed player and more.

ONLINE WORKOUT

Lead an at-home workout, yoga routine or cardio dance class over livestream and ask for a donation to attend. Or, up the ante with a workout challenge on social media. Ask for donations per jumping jack, or offer to eat a hot pepper if you reach your goal during the livestream. Challenge others to top your record for sit-ups, lunges, miles run, etc. If they decline your invitation to sweat in solidarity, welcome a donation instead.

PARTIES AND EVENTS

Karaoke, talent show, happy hour, trivia — nearly any gathering can be hosted online! If you and your friends are performing over video conference, take song requests in exchange for donations. If you’re hosting a Netflix watch party, encourage participants to donate what they’d usually spend at the theater.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Use your skills to virtually teach a class, such as drawing, crocheting, crafts for kids or a makeup tutorial. Wine and paint nights also work well over video conferencing. Attendees can make a donation to join the fun, and you can auction off the finished product to the highest bidder.

COOKING AND BAKING

Instead of a cookout, invite friends and family to teach others how to make a favorite recipe over video in exchange for a donation. Or, host a live cake decorating contest where votes are cast by making donations. The cake with the most donations wins!

CARDS AND GAMES

Bridge, Mah Jongg, video games, board games and even puzzles can be played online with friends and family. Ask participants to make a donation to play, offer prizes to winners and encourage donation bets to raise money.

 

Source – The Alzheimer’s Association

An Elderly Guide To Maintaining Your Car

Seniors who plan to keep their cars for long periods of time will want to maintain their vehicles in good condition. This helps to reduce the amount of maintenance that is needed to protect the car and keep it looking good and running well. Getting regular checkups and tune-ups also help to ensure the car’s reliable operation. This is important for seniors, as many live on fixed incomes and can’t afford costly repairs. Some with health conditions would find it inconvenient to be without a car for frequent shop service. Here’s how many elders are maintaining their cars to last.

Routine Maintenance

A car owner’s manual indicates the type of checkups and maintenance schedule the vehicle should have. Following the list as prescribed can help to keep a car running efficiently and in good condition. Oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations are some of the key ways to ensure a vehicle stays in good working order. At certain mileage intervals, cars should be inspected for brake pads and engine flushing as well as a radiator check among other general functions before a problem develops unexpectedly.

Minor Repairs

Although it may be tempting to overlook a seemingly minor problem like a burned-out headlight or slow battery turnover, many seniors address these issues immediately. No one wants to be driving in public and pulled over to be cited by a police officer for a missing headlight. Nor does a driver want to deal with a car that won’t start due to a dead battery. Windows that don’t operate electronically as they should become problematic in bad weather or during a road emergency. Taking care of these issues as they occur can help to prevent bigger problems down the road.

Exterior Protection

A ceramic coating can protect a car’s finish to keep it from fading, chipping, or scratching as easily as it would without the coating. The ceramic coating is applied with a microfiber applicator pad to provide a protective shell over the car’s paint, making it look nice and remain resistant to environmental factors like pollution and road construction. Elders can do the job themselves or have it applied at the auto shop for a glossy sheen that will make the car look almost new again.  If you’re looking for more information check out what I think is the best piece of content about ceramic coating.

Regular Self-Checks

Every driver, seniors included, should check out their car’s operating features every six to twelve months. Following the operator’s manual, they can see if something isn’t working correctly and have it inspected at the stop before a problem develops. Things we take for granted due to limited use, like the horn or panic button on the key fob, should be checked occasionally to ensure they work properly. Tire tread, brake sufficiency, and steering capacity are other functions that need to be evaluated periodically.

With prudent oversight and precautions, elders can keep their cars running safely and efficiently as long as needed. The rest of us could learn from these senior car maintenance strategies how to care for our vehicles, too. Reviewing the operating manual, looking under the hood, and protecting the car’s finish can provide reassurance that the vehicle is in good condition for the foreseeable future. 

Save Yourself With Self-Care

Most people who have a lot of responsibility struggle with self-care, if you also fill the role of caregiver, taking time for yourself is probably overlooked. Being a caregiver, it is imperative to recognize your own physical and emotional needs before you can take care of someone else. By looking out for your own well being, you will be more resilient and prepared for the challenges you face.

Me Time

In order to keep from succumbing to stressors you deal with, you have to learn how to take some time for yourself and look after your own mental health. One way to refocus and keep yourself connected to your internal world and how it can affect your external world is through meditation. 

Your level of involvement can vary from simple sessions in your everyday life to immersing yourself in the myriad of techniques available by attending a meditation retreat. Whichever seems more practical to you, you should pursue. Learning how to unwind from your daily life is an essential aspect of self-care.

Warning Signs

You may be sitting there wondering if you should be taking better care of yourself, listen to your body, it will tell you by giving you certain symptoms that say you need to take a bit of time for yourself. Noticing signs of stress should be your wake up call to take steps to take care of your mental health. Some signs to look out for:

  • Headaches – when your brain is dealing with stress, it releases chemicals to try to help you prepare for what you are dealing with. These chemicals cause the blood vessels in your brain to change and that manifests itself as a headache.
  • Low Energy – dealing with stress is taxing on your body. Your body’s response is to make you feel fatigued.
  • Upset Stomach – when stress levels are high, your stomach will produce high levels of acid. Without treatment, this can turn into various gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers. 
  • Insomnia – it is difficult to relax when your mind is constantly replaying either things that have happened or things you need to get done. Being able to sleep is very important for your overall health. Your body rejuvenates while you are asleep, by denying it of necessary rest, there can be countless ailments that will take their toll. 

Benefits of Meditation

You encounter stress every time you are faced with adversity unexpectedly. Through meditation, you are able to lower the amount of cortisol, the stress hormone your body secretes at these times. 

Through meditation, you learn to become aware of how your emotions dictate your behavior. By being self-aware, you can get a firm grip on your emotions and emotional responses. Being in control, instead of them controlling you, will help to improve your self-confidence through a positive self-image and understanding of your self-worth. 

Recenter Yourself

Meditation is so effective in reducing stress in your life because it teaches you how to control your flow of energy. When you meditate, you are becoming one with yourself and that moment in time. Through these mindful practices, you are learning about yourself at the same time that you are creating a harmony that emanates from within. Those who meditate regularly have a more concentrated attention span and heightened awareness of things around them.

You can’t take care of others until you learn how to take care of yourself first. By improving your own health, you will be able to provide a greater level of care to those who depend upon you. 

7 Signs of Elder Neglect You Shouldn’t Overlook

Wondering how to prevent elder abuse? A great start is learning the warning signs of neglect and exploitation so it can be stopped before the problem grows.

Do you think your loved one may be a victim of elder abuse?

We like to think our parents, grandparents, and other loved one’s caregivers treat them with the attention and love they deserve. But, there’s no way to know what’s going on behind closed doors when you’re not around.

When it comes to figuring out how to prevent elder abuse and, more specifically, neglect, the first step is to learn the warning signs.

Think your loved one may be suffering from abuse or neglect, but aren’t quite sure?

Here are seven signs of elder neglect you should look out for next time you visit your friend or family member.

  1. Unsanitary Conditions

Is your loved one’s house or room dirtier than it should be?

Messes are a part of life. That said, dirty sheets, food waste, and pests are signs that your loved one’s caregiver isn’t keeping their environment clean. If conditions don’t improve, you should seek out help immediately.

  1. Unsafe Conditions

Does your loved one have access to air conditioning or heating?

Another sign of elder neglect is an unsafe living environment. And, what constitutes “unsafe” is different for senior citizens than it is for everyone else.

If your loved one’s living conditions seem too dangerous for them and their level of mobility, they may be suffering from neglect.

  1. Weight Loss

While weight loss can come from various medical issues, it can also be a sign of elder neglect.

If your loved one seems thinner, and they don’t have any conditions that could cause weight loss, their caregiver may be neglecting them.

  1. Poor Appearance

Are your loved one’s clothes dirty? Do they seem uncharacteristically unkempt or ill-groomed?

Another sign of potential elder neglect could potentially lie in your friend’s or family member’s appearance. If they look or smell unclean, or their style has suddenly and drastically changed, their caregiver may be neglecting them.

  1. Untreated Injuries

Injuries and problems, like bedsores, could be a sign that your loved one’s caregiver isn’t watching them or caring for them the way they should.

  1. Missed Medication

It may be hard to keep tabs on all your loved one’s medical information. But, if you notice a sharp downturn in their health, it could be a sign that they haven’t been taking their medication — which could be a sign of neglect.

  1. Desertion

Finally, one of the most obvious signs that your elder loved one is suffering from neglect is public desertion.

If your friend or family member’s caregiver leaves them alone in a public place, they are almost definitely neglecting them in private.

If you notice any signs of elder abuse, you must take action as soon as possible. Contact a lawyer that specializes in elder abuse and neglect, like Sweet Lawyers, to review your options.

How to Prevent Elder Abuse: Knowledge Is Key

Learning how to prevent elder abuse and neglect is an essential part of caring for an older loved one, friend, or family member.

By keeping an eye out for these warning signs, you’ll be able to figure out whether your loved one is suffering from neglect sooner. So you can take action before any irreparable damage occurs.

Are you looking for more advice on how to care for your elder friends and family members? We’re here to help.

Check out the rest of our blog for more articles, or visit our directories to find the best care solution for your loved ones today.

4 Ways to Safely Help Elders During the Pandemic

It’s almost three months now since WHO officially declared COVID-19 outbreaks all over the world a pandemic. But in many countries, people have been coping with local epidemics for even longer. Many of us are tired and downhearted. 

The pandemic doesn’t spare the young – even those who stay healthy have a lot of issues to deal with. But for the elderly, these times are even harder. 

Firstly, seniors are at a much greater risk physically. Their immune systems are not so strong anymore, and they have more chronic health conditions. Secondly, they may face greater challenges mentally. With less mastery of modern technology and a generally higher level of anxiety, many elderly people feel lost and helpless facing this global threat. 

And these are exactly the times when our elders need us the most. This means that we should try to do our best to reassure them and help to get through this safely. 

Below are some suggestions on how we – close or distant relatives and even neighbors and acquaintances – can do it. 

Stay In Touch 

Social distancing and self-isolation are key in preventing further spread of COVID-19. But for most people of all ages leading such a lifestyle can be very exhausting.

Elderly people have fewer opportunities for socializing – even at “normal” times. Now they suffer tenfold. Younger folks can stay connected with the help of technology: have a chat via Whatsapp, talk via Skype, have a Zoom party, post something on Instagram, etc.

But people from the older generations rarely use all these options as easily. So, if you really want to give your elders some comfort, take the time and teach them the new technological tricks. But don’t forget the good old phone calls and SMS – they still work! 

Also, most elders love talking to their grandchildren. But some teens might be reluctant because of the huge amount of academic tasks they have. In this case, students can use some help from professional writing services like https://essaypro.com/ to spare them some time for their loved ones. 

Be Super Attentive 

Besides simply staying connected and showing that you care, it’s important to be on alert to notice any signs of trouble with your loved ones. Our older relatives understand that this situation is hard on us, too, and often try not to upset us by simply not mentioning their own problems. 

So, if you feel that they’re upset, tired, or just uneasy, ask directly about what’s wrong and how you can help. The real problem can be anything from the light blues from bad weather to health issues to sadness from the loss of a friend. It’s highly important to know what exactly it is in order to offer timely help or compassion. 

Make Sure They Have Everything They Need 

Various restrictions imposed by governments to slow down the spread of the disease have made a lot of things much less accessible than they were before. And in most countries, these restrictions are more severe for people over 60. 

Just think of how much the elderly are not supposed to do during the pandemic (the restrictions may vary in different countries):

  • use public transport every day;
  • maintain their usual health routines; 
  • go outside without masks and gloves; 
  • visit their relatives, friends, and neighbors any time they wish to;
  • work at the office;
  • participate in any offline classes, courses, or societies. 

All this is quite a lot to deal with even for the young! And even now, when quarantines in many countries are slowly coming to an end, some restrictions for older people still remain. 

Let’s also not forget that even if quarantines are almost over, the virus has not disappeared, and it’s still dangerous – especially for seniors. So, it’s still important for them to take the necessary precautions, and they continue to rely a lot on younger people’s help. 

There are a number of things we can do to make our elder’s life easier. Here are some suggestions:

  • go shopping for them or order groceries and other necessary goods delivery online; if your elders can’t cook for themselves, bring them ready dishes; 
  • make sure they have all the necessary medicine, masks and gloves; if they don’t, go to the pharmacy for them or order online; 
  • arrange tele-medicine calls when possible to reduce visits to clinics and hospitals; 
  • support their interests and hobbies – order or bring the necessary supplies, help to learn to use computers and smartphones to look for information and communities. 

Don’t forget that every person is unique, and everyone has their own needs – before doing anything, ask how exactly you can help. 

Provide Them With Reliable Information 

Information is overwhelming these days. What’s worse – it’s often contradictory in different sources. It’s quite tiring to consume and digest tons of information daily, plus, let’s be honest, some elders really can’t say what sources are reliable or not anymore. 

Every person of any age has a right to have their own opinion on any subject, and we’re not calling for imposing your point of view on anyone. But to have an opinion, one has to be informed. So, keep your older relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances updated regularly. They should know what’s happening, what restrictions still apply, etc. 

 

Wrapping Up 

The COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be one of the greatest challenges humanity has faced in recent decades. The effect of the disease itself and the unprecedented measured taken to fight it has put people’s well-being at great risk – physically, financially, and mentally. 

The young have suffered from these effects, too. But seniors are the ones who face much greater risks. Today, it’s still highly important to be attentive and supportive and help them get through all this unharmed. After all, our loved ones are our greatest treasure. 

Improve Health in Your Golden Years With These Medicinal Flowers

Looking for a list of herbs to help improve your health? Look no further, we have medicinal flowers that you can use to naturally heal your ailments.

We are all always looking for ways to improve our health, especially as we get older. It can be overwhelming to manage all of our aches and pains as we age.

Medicinal flowers are a powerful way to improve your health as you age. Healing plants were our first form of medicine, and today these natural drugs are still potent remedies.

Curious about improving your health with medicinal flowers? Keep reading to learn about five beautiful and potent healing plants.

Lavender

Lavender is known for it’s long, beautiful purple flowers. This popular garden plant emits a powerful, fragrant aroma. It is also known for its medicinal properties.

Essential lavender oil is the best way to utilize this powerful, fragrant flower.

Lavender oil is great for encouraging relaxation, and it can even reduce agitation in individuals with dementia. Some studies even suggest that lavender oil can help with balance in old age.

Lavender is also great for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Inhaling the sweet scent of lavender is great for improving your mood.

Mimosa-Pudica

Mimosa-pudica is a beautiful creeping plant with small blooms. These purple or white flowers react to touch, similar to a Venus fly trap.

Mimosa-pudica is a powerful medicinal plant that helps with digestion and gut health. The plant can also help alleviate sciatic nerve pain. Mimosa-pudica is also anti-microbial and anti-fungal so it can help you fight off nasty microbes that can make you sick.

Echinacea

Echinacea refers to a group of 10 different flowers. Echinacea is closely related to the daisy, and you can find bloom in colors from deep purple to bright pink.

Echinacea has powerful immune-boosting properties. It’s also anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. Drinking echinacea tea or taking a supplement is a great way to prevent common illnesses, like seasonal flu or colds.

You can also use echinacea to encourage healthy cellular growth and to prevent breast cancer! Echinacea is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates free-radicals that damage cells.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a beautiful daisy-like flower with white petals and a large yellow center. These lovely little blooms are a powerful medicinal herb that aids in sleep, digestion, and relaxation.

The most common way to consume chamomile is in tea. Chamomile tea is great for soothing stomach pain by helping relax the muscles in your digestive system. It can also help to alleviate nausea and vomiting.

Chamomile also has strong immune-boosting properties and it’s great for fighting off a cold.

Marigold

Marigolds are a beautiful addition to any garden with their unique, large blooms. Did you know that you can use marigolds to improve your health?

Calendula extract from marigold flowers has powerful medicinal properties. Calendula tea is full of antioxidants, and it may combat certain cancer cells. A powerful brew of calendula tea can also help you achieve better oral health and brighter skin.

Calendula oil can also be applied topically for wound care and sun protection. It’s also a powerful treatment for acne. You can find calendula oil tinctures and creams online to soothe and protect your skin.

Stay Healthy With Medicinal Flowers

Staying healthy doesn’t have to be hard, there are plenty of amazing medicinal flowers that can help you stay healthy and prevent disease.

Make sure to consult your doctor before starting any medicinal herbal regiment. Some herbs can interact with medications. So you need to make sure you are clear to add any herbal remedies to your existing medications and vitamins.

Check out our other articles on senior living to make the best of your golden years.

Managing Diabetes in the Elderly and How Caregivers Can Help

Diabetes is extremely common among the senior population. It is estimated that about 26.8 percent of elderly adults in the United States have diabetes. While seniors are more likely to be impacted by this disease, the good news is that diabetes management is possible. As a caregiver, you can play a vital role in helping to manage your patient’s diabetes diagnosis. With your assistance and support, it is possible for them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few ways that you can help manage a diabetes diagnosis in older adults.

Understand how diabetes affects your elderly patient

The key to managing a diabetes diagnosis is to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes and which directly affect your senior patient. Do they often get tired or irritable? Are they more frequently hungry or thirsty? Experiencing sudden weight loss? Making more bathroom visits than usual? Mentioning tingling or numbness in their extremities? Do they have any other existing medical conditions? Diabetes affects everyone differently so knowing the answers to these questions will help you recognize when something is off with their diabetes management and can better inform what changes you should help implement. A diabetes diagnosis often impacts how elderly patients live their daily life. So it is important to gain full insight into their regular activities and draw conclusions as to how that is impacting their management abilities as well.

Create a routine for diabetes management

Elderly adults are at a higher risk of developing more serious complications, so it’s important to create a routine to help manage their symptoms. For example, developing a medication schedule can serve as a reminder of the regular intake of medicines prescribed to your patient, and ensure older relatives that they won’t miss any prescribed doses.

It’s also important to make sure that your senior patient is regularly checking their blood sugar to help manage their diabetes diagnosis. Remind them to check their blood sugar:

  • Before each meal
  • 1 or 2 hours after a meal
  • Before, during, and after physical activity
  • In the middle of the night
  • Before a bedtime snack
  • If they’re feeling sick
  • If they feel their blood sugar levels may be off

In addition to their daily routine care, it’s important to implement regular eye exams, skin assessments, and podiatrist visits into their schedule to help prevent further complications.

Encourage regular exercise to manage diabetes

It’s important for seniors to stay active and physically fit, especially if they’re diabetic. Regular exercise can help elderly adults control their blood glucose levels and manage their diabetes. Based on what your patient’s body can handle, encourage suitable exercises such as dancing, light cycling, swimming, walking, and yoga. You can help an older diabetic stay motivated by planning group exercises that you can do together. If your elderly patient isn’t as mobile, moving around during TV commercial breaks or simple exercises like arm swings can be just as effective in managing a diabetes diagnosis. Regardless of their activity level, even the smallest amount of physical activity can have a positive impact — this is especially true for older adults that sedentary more often than not

By understanding how diabetes affects your elderly patient and creating a routine that fits their needs, a diabetes diagnosis can be managed. As a caregiver, the likelihood of success only increases for seniors when they receive support from you.