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Assisted Living Support for Diabetes Management

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 30% of seniors over age 65 and older have diabetes. This chronic condition can affect a senior’s overall health and quality of life.

  • Type 1 Diabetes can develop at any age and happens when the body doesn’t produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
  • Type 2 Diabetes is more common in older adults and occurs when the body becomes less responsive to insulin over time.

Both types of diabetes can be managed with the right treatments and lifestyle adjustments. However, managing diabetes often involves many daily tasks like monitoring blood sugar, taking insulin, eating a balanced diet, and staying active. As people age, handling these tasks can become harder due to physical limitations, cognitive decline, or other health issues.

This is where Assisted Living facility diabetes management becomes crucial. These communities offer support that simplifies diabetes management for seniors by providing personalized care plans, nutritious meals, medication management, and help with staying active. Assisted Living communities address the unique challenges of diabetes, helping residents stay independent and improve their overall well-being.

How Can an Assisted Living Community Help Manage Diabetes?

Managing diabetes requires several key steps to help keep blood sugar levels stable and maintain good health. These steps include taking medication, insulin injections, regular blood sugar monitoring, following a special diet, staying physically active, and getting medical care. When these tasks are done consistently, people with diabetes can manage their condition well and enjoy a long, healthy life.

As people get older, staying on top of diabetes management becomes even more important. Seniors need to stick to their diabetes plan, prevent infections, adapt to health changes, and maintain a good quality of life.

For older adults, especially those living alone, keeping up with these tasks can become difficult. That’s where Assisted Living communities come in. These communities provide the support seniors need to manage their diabetes while allowing them to remain as independent as possible. Here are five ways Assisted Living communities help diabetic residents:

Customized Plans

The diabetes care team in an Assisted Living community starts by assessing a new resident’s type of diabetes, health status, and needed level of care. They will create a personalized diabetes care plan that includes help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing and moving, as well as specialized medical care tailored to the individual’s needs.

This plan is not static; as the resident’s condition evolves, the care team adjusts the plan accordingly, ensuring that every diabetic resident receives the most appropriate support throughout their time in the community. The diabetes  management plan may include:

  • Regular blood glucose monitoring.
  • Administering insulin injections or diabetic medications.
  • Dietary guidance with diabetes-friendly meals.
  • Assistance with physical activity and fitness plans.
  • Management of any diabetes-related complications such as foot care or vision issues.

These components ensure the care plan is comprehensive and adaptable to meet each resident’s specific needs.

Highly Trained Staff

Most senior living communities employ staff trained specifically in managing diabetes among older adults. This is especially comforting for family members who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s or diabetes may worry their relatives aren’t properly managing their blood sugar or medications.

The diabetic nurses, medical technicians, and caregivers in Assisted Living communities can assist residents in testing and stabilizing glucose levels, administering insulin injections, and monitoring overall health changes, all of which are crucial for effective diabetes management.

Healthy Meals

Managing a diabetic diet can seem simple, but it often requires careful planning and preparation, which can be challenging for seniors living with diabetes. Fortunately, Assisted Living communities that offer diabetes care provide nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks specifically tailored for diabetic residents. These meals are not only diabetes-friendly but also delicious, thanks to the efforts of culinary teams who understand the unique needs of each resident.

Here’s how Assisted Living communities help with diabetic diets:

  • Diabetes-Friendly Meals: Meals are designed to meet dietary needs, keeping blood sugar balanced while offering a variety of flavorful options.
  • Professional Guidance: Many communities have dietitians or nutritionists available to help residents maintain a diet that best supports their diabetes management.
  • Tailored Meal Plans: Meals are designed to meet individual health needs, making it easier for seniors to manage their diabetes without the stress of meal planning.
  • Nutritional Balance: The communities focus on offering meals that provide all the necessary nutrients while controlling portions of sugar, carbohydrates and fats, which are crucial for managing diabetes.

By offering these services, Assisted Living communities ensure that seniors living with diabetes receive the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy and feel their best.

Physical Fitness

Staying active is crucial for seniors with diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels. Assisted Living communities provide various amenities and programs that make it easier for residents to stay physically active:

  • On-site fitness centers and walking paths encourage regular exercise.
  • Group exercise classes are tailored to residents’ abilities, promoting an active lifestyle.
  • Personalized fitness plans created by fitness coaches, including strength training or mobility exercises, support individual health goals.

These resources help improve residents’ overall wellness and quality of life.

Specialized Care

Diabetic seniors are more vulnerable to complications like foot ulcers, kidney disease, or vision loss. Assisted Living communities provide specialized care to address these needs:

  • Personalized medical attention from clinicians to prevent and treat diabetes-related complications.
  • Specialized care plans ensure that residents receive the best treatment for their specific health concerns.

This specialized long-term care care helps enhance health outcomes and improves the quality of life for diabetic residents.

How Else Does Assisted Living Promote Wellness for Residents?

In addition to tailored diabetes management, Assisted Living communities foster overall wellness for their residents through a variety of programs and services designed to promote physical, emotional and social health. These communities recognize that holistic well-being is crucial for seniors, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives. Here are several key ways Assisted Living promotes wellness beyond diabetes care:

Social Engagement

Isolation can be a significant issue for seniors, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression. Assisted Living communities create a vibrant social atmosphere by organizing group activities, events and outings that encourage residents to connect with one another. Regular social interactions not only enhance emotional well-being but also help residents build friendships, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

Mental Stimulation

Maintaining cognitive health is vital for seniors, particularly those with conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Assisted Living communities offer various programs to engage residents’ minds, including educational workshops, arts and crafts, book clubs, and memory games. These activities promote mental stimulation, helping residents stay sharp and enhancing their overall cognitive function.

Wellness Programs

Many Assisted Living communities incorporate comprehensive wellness programs that address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of their residents. These programs may include mindfulness practices, meditation sessions, and fitness classes tailored to varying ability levels. By offering a well-rounded approach to wellness, residents are encouraged to pursue a healthy lifestyle and maintain their independence.

Schedule a Tour of a Presbyterian Homes Community

At Presbyterian Homes, we prioritize the satisfaction and well-being of every resident. Our commitment to excellence ensures that you or your loved ones receive top-quality care in a warm, welcoming environment. In our Assisted Living communities, compassionate, highly trained professionals address the unique health needs of each resident while promoting independence and dignity.

Our communities provide tailored daily assistance, including personal care, medication management, and social activities. We believe that keeping independence is essential for our residents’ quality of life, and we aim to help them live fully and authentically.

Find the closest Presbyterian Homes community to you and learn more about the services and support we provide to our residents. Our knowledgeable team is ready to answer your questions and help you choose the right community for you or your loved one.

Explore our Assisted Living communities near Chicago, Illinois, each offering unique amenities for a vibrant lifestyle:

  • The Moorings: Located in Arlington Heights, this community features beautifully landscaped grounds and engaging activities to enhance residents’ well-being.
  • Lake Forest Place: Set in a picturesque location, Lake Forest Place offers exceptional care focused on holistic wellness, with diverse dining options and recreational activities.
  • Westminster Place: This vibrant Evanston community provides a variety of services and programs, promoting an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Scheduling a tour of one of our communities is the first step in discovering how we can support you or your loved one. We look forward to welcoming you to Presbyterian Homes.