According to figures compiled by the British Geriatrics Society, around half of the individuals in the UK who have diabetes are aged 65 and over, with the number rising to a quarter in those aged over 75. This means that 10% of those people who are over the age of 75 and 14% of those over 85 years of age have type 1 diabetes. These individuals make up a significant proportion of the older population, and whilst it may be true that they have lived with the condition for several years, it is important to have the right care plan in place to manage it alongside the challenges they may face as they grow older.
The right support
For those elderly people who have diabetes and are still living in their own homes, live-in care can be a great solution when they begin to need additional support and help on a daily basis. It allows them to manage their condition whilst keeping the familiar around them. Live-in carers, unlike family members, receive specific training in dealing with the medical issues that an elderly person may find themselves facing as they get older. This support allows them to not only help their client, but also their family in the management of their condition. It is important to create tailor made support plans to make sure that the preferences and requirements of the client are considered so that their daily routines are managed successfully, and that quality of life is met to the fullest.
At home care
When support for conditions like type 1 diabetes is offered as in-home care it means that assistance can be offered round the clock. This help doesn’t just relate to the medical care of the client, but also household tasks and personal care as well; help is available for all aspects of the person’s life. Managing a medical routine associated with any condition is important, and in respect of diabetes a healthy diet plays a very important part of managing type 1 diabetes. A live-in carer can not only help to prepare healthy meals but can also support and encourage an appropriate exercise plan. They could also help by keeping a close eye on the client for any early signs of symptoms that may indicate that their condition requires more urgent medical attention.
The experience that a live-in carer will gain through working with other elderly clients with medical conditions like Type 1 diabetes will allow them to offer support to their client that will improve their lifestyle, and thereby offer them a better quality of life. This might include suggesting mobility aids to allow the client more freedom, improvements to their diet, types of exercises that might be appropriate to the mobility of the client, and even any adjustments to the home that might make things a little easier.
Home care services also offer the elderly person companionship. It is just as important that the emotional needs of a person are met as the physical needs. All too often in an overstretched care home with numerous elderly people it can be difficult to meet these needs due to staff ratios.
