Home Health & Diabetes: How A Carer Can Help Your Loved One
If your elderly loved one has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be stressed about the level of care they'll require. From daily blood sugar checks to medication administration to regular doctor's appointments, you feel completely overwhelmed by the number of new responsibilities. Below are a few ways that a home health aide can lighten your load and that of your loved one.
Health Monitoring
The level of health monitoring that your loved one requires will depend on the severity of their diagnosis, but there's no doubt that proper monitoring and maintenance will play a role in their overall health and well being.
A home health aide can offer your loved one the exact level of care they need. Whether it's simple blood sugar monitoring or routine administration of insulin, your loved one's home health aide will tailor their work to your loved one's diagnosis and work with their doctors and other healthcare professionals to deliver only the best care. With a home health aide, you'll never have to worry about missed doses or improperly monitored glucose levels.
Meal Planning and Preparation
Diet plays a large role in your loved one's continued health which is why proper meal planning and preparation is necessary.
A home health aide can work with your loved one's doctor and nutritionist to come up with the best meal plan possible, as well as ensure the plan is followed out. The services offered by the health aide can include regular grocery shopping, preparation, and cooking and will vary depending on your loved one's needs. The health aide can also offer you and your loved one's tips and education, so you'll always know what foods are best for your loved one.
Encouragement and Education
A diagnosis of diabetes can be devastating – both for you and your loved one. A home health aide can act as a cheerleader and friend while going through this difficult and frightening time.
Diabetes is a common health problem, especially among the elderly population. While a common malady, it can still be difficult to fully grasp and come to terms with when it's your own loved one who's dealing with it. With the help of a home health aide, you and your loved one can become more knowledgeable about the disease and its treatment, as well as gain encouragement. Knowing that you have someone on your side – an advocate and friend – can offer you both the reassurance you surely need.
While diabetes certainly isn't a death sentence, it's still a frightening diagnosis and one that brings with it much uncertainty. To learn more about how a home health aide can help your newly-diagnosed loved one, consult with a home health agency, like Queen City Home Care, today.