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By Pamela D Wilson, The Care Navigator, CSA, MS, BS/BA, CG
The Center for Disease Control issued a background sheet on diabetes. As with many chronic diseases, proper diabetes care in older adults is even more important. In a perfect situation, an older adult with diabetes will have a care team of individuals that includes a physician, dietitian, pharmacist and possibly a home care provider to assist with meals, personal care and exercise.
Physical activity is just one important component of healthy aging, especially for persons with diabetes. At a general physical exam upon request, your physician may prescribe a physical therapist visit to assess current fitness levels. The physical therapist will then make recommendations for aerobic activity and strength training exercises. As with everything, the prescribed exercises are only effective if they are done on a regular basis.
Equally important for persons with diabetes is a balanced diet. Again working with your physician, a referral may be obtained to a dietitian who can make recommendations about label reading, the glycemic index of foods, recipe modifications and ongoing diet recommendations. A dietitian can also discuss consumption of carbohydrates, sugar, frequent snacks and a plan for weight loss if recommended.
Personal care relative to bathing and frequent foot checks is also important. Many older adults lose flexibility and do not have the ability to reach their toes to trim nails, wash properly or perform skin checks. Personal care also includes medication reminding for those who may forget to take medications.
Relative to foot care, diabetes may cause loss of feeling in the nerves of the foot, often called peripheral neuropathy. Persons with diabetes are also more prone to infections and slower healing in areas with poor circulation, like the feet. Foot ulcers are also very common. Proper care, including daily washing and skin checks are very important. Regularly scheduled visits to a podiatrist are also important to ensure nails and feet receive proper care.
Exercise, diet and personal care are important to maintain health at any age. However, as we age, these three areas are the most difficult to maintain. Because many older adults live alone, these daily activities become less important and more difficult to do because of physical or mental difficulties. Only 22% of the U.S. population exercises on regular basis; this number declines as we age. Fast food and boxed meals have become the norm. Why should this be any different as we age? And, due to physical declines from lack of mobility and exercise, personal care becomes difficult because of safety issues and fear of falling.
The good news is that help exists. Older adults wishing to maintain exercise, diet and personal care can decide to take advantage of home care to provide these support services. The result for many can be improvement in physical function, diet and personal care.
Copyright 2011 Pamela D. Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
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