Managing Diabetes as Part of Senior Care Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body processes food, especially sugar. Many seniors have a form of diabetes, which can become serious if it isn’t managed. Learn basic facts about diabetes prevention and management. ( CDC ) Types of Diabetes There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. While type 2 is much more common, especially among aging adults, type 1 diabetes can also affect seniors. Type 1 Diabetes Chronic Unpreventable Diagnosed with a blood test Checked on through regular blood sugar tests May require regular insulin injections or a pump Type 2 Diabetes Chronic Sometimes preventable Diagnosed with a blood test Checked on through periodic blood sugar tests Often manageable by lifestyle and diet changes; may require medication For seniors with type 1 diabetes, care should continue as normal. Caregivers should pay special attention for symptoms of hypoglycemia and take care to help seniors manage their disease as common parts of aging, like memory loss or lack of routine, increase the difficulty of maintaining a healthy state. ( Healthline ) About Type 2 Diabetes and Seniors Symptoms: Feeling tired Being unusually hungry or thirsty Accidental weight loss Frequent urination Blurred vision Skin infections Healing slowly from cuts and bruises Type 2 Diabetes Management: See a dietician for help with meal planning for a healthier diet Get regular exercise (personal training is often discounted for seniors) Track glucose levels with blood tests as directed by a doctor Lose weight if obesity is contributing to the disease Choose a healthy lifestyle to decrease risks associated with diabetes like stroke (stop smoking, get more sleep, attend annual physical exams) Medical Tests: Blood test can diagnose diabetes and sometimes even shows signs of prediabetes. Seniors should be screened for diabetes at annual appointments and ask a doctor for blood test if symptoms develop. In some cases, medication is part of type 2 diabetes management. Ask a doctor if any medications could be helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes from worsening. Be sure a senior’s caregiving team is in sync concerning diabetes care to keep blood sugar levels healthy. ( National Institute on Aging ) Type 2 Diabetes Prevention: Many people can lower their risk of type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes like: Losing weight Getting regular exercise Eating a healthy diet Taking prescriptions as recommended by a doctor Seniors should take prevention very seriously if they are told they have prediabetes, which predisposes them to develop the disease. ( WebMD ) Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors Seniors are at greater risk of type 2 diabetes if they: Are over 65 years old Are overweight Have a family history of diabetes Are sedentary Had gestational diabetes while pregnant ( National Institute of Aging ) Home Care Tip Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be discouraging for seniors. The risks of worsening diabetes are serious: people sometimes require amputations. Be supportive and understanding. Find a support group or classes about type 2 diabetes to help seniors stay positive and make healthy choices.

Mobility Aids for Seniors Many seniors experience difficulty getting around independently. Mobility aids can offer stability and support. If a senior is unstable performing motions like sitting down or walking, it is essential to find mobility aids that fit their needs and ensure their safety. Approximately 1/3 of older people living at home fall at least once a year. It's common for seniors to need mobility aids for safety and support. ( MerckManuals ) Common Mobility Aids for Getting Around For seniors living at home and maintaining a high level of independence, common mobility aids are simply designed to help them gedt around. Options include: * Canes - Designed to increase stability and compensate for minimal balance issues * Power Scooters - Support those who cannot walk long distances but have upper body control and stamina * Walkers - Help support those with significant stability problems but moderate upper body strength * Wheelchairs - Offer mobility to those unable to walk safely on their own. Variations of sterring ability available. * Rollators - For those with severe stability issues who lack upper body strength and balance. Possible Results of Senior Falls Sometimes mobility issues are just inconvenient for seniors. Other times mobility issues put them at risk for falling. Falls can be very dangerous for the aging. Faling can result in: Bruises Fractures Breaks Need for physical therapy Surgical correction Hospitalization Death ( MerckManuals ) Mobility Aids for a Safer Home Enviornment Some mobility aids aren't designed to support long-range motion. Instead, they make the home environment safer and increase independence with specific tasks. Improve home safety and mobility by installing: Rails along stairs, near bathroom fixtures, in hallways, etc. Tub/bath transfer seats or benches Supportive seat cushions Grab handles for getting in/out of a car, bed, couch, or chair Rolling over-bed or over-couch tables Additional lighting or voice command lighting to improve visibility Non-slip flooring that is securely tacked down Stairlift Ramps to replace stairs Mobility Problem Risk Factors A number of issues can increase seniors' risk of struggling with mobility and balance. Diminished eyesight Diabetes or heart disease Thyroid problems Nerve issues Medications Dizziness Muscle weakness Gait changes Postural hypotension Foot pain, deformities, or poorly-fitting footwear Confusion or memory problems Environmental factors like lack of lighting Paying for Mobility Aids Insurance companies, as well as some grant or senior care non-profits, may help cover the cost of mobility aids. Ask a doctor or local agency for the aging for ideas on where to start seeking financial assistance for mobility devices. Home Care Tip Style matters. If seniors seem unwilling to accept mobility aids, consider options that look sleek or fit their sense of style. Sometimes a device that feels personalized makes a difference for seniors struggling to accept necessary changes.

How to Help Seniors with Allergies Everything from the changing of the seasons to a crumb or food can cause a reaction for someone who has an allergy. For seniors, allergies can be especially dangerous. Seasonal allergies alone affect 50 million people in the U.S. Seniors can be affected by these allergies, as well as food, pet, dust, and other types of allergies. As seniors face other challenges associated with aging, it’s important to help them with allergy management. ( Hopkins Medicine ) Common Allergies among Seniors Although allergies often develop in childhood, it’s not uncommon for people in their 50s, 60s, or 70s to suddenly develop allergies. The most common causes of allergic reactions in seniors are the same as the most prevalent allergies in general. Common types of Allergens include: Seasonal Pollen Weeds Certain plants Environmental Mold Dust Certain Animals Food Peanuts Shellfish Ingredients in Medications If seniors display symptoms of allergies like a runny nose, upset stomach, headache or rash after exposure to an allergen, it’s important for them to consult a doctor. ( WebMD ) Tips for Managing Allergies Whether seniors have been managing allergies for years or are learning to deal with onset allergies, it is important that they have help. Some aspect of aging, like memory loss or reliance on medications, can affect seniors’ abilities to handle their allergies. Environmental allergies, like an allergy to mold, can also be difficult for seniors to manage if they have trouble maintaining a clean home on their own. Help Seniors by: Keeping a list of allergens available for all caregivers Including allergies on medical alert tags or other places emergency personnel might look Keeping allergens out of the home, including as meal ingredients for other family members Finding indoor activities for seniors with seasonal allergies during hard times of year Asking medical personnel if allergies and a senior’s medications might conflict Finding allergen-free recipes Helping maintain a clean home Knowing what to do (and educating seniors about what to do) if an allergic reaction occurs ( Asthma and Allergies ) How Allergies Affect Seniors Part of aging is the degeneration of the immune system, organs, and other elements of the body. For seniors, that can mean allergens that once weren’t a big deal now result in a constantly runny nose or another more intense symptom. Some medications can also exacerbate symptoms. Don’t take senior allergies lightly. Ask doctors how to manage allergies best. (Life Care Services) Symptoms of Allergies Seniors should be checked for allergies if they have symptoms like: Itchy/running nose Congestions or wheezing Dry or inflamed skin Rashes Watery eyes Headache Mucus and nasal discharge Persistent cough Swelling ( SeniorCaring ) Home Care Tip Integrate allergy management into any tracking provided to seniors and their families. For instance, include allergy medication on daily meds trackers and add cleaning task specifically preventing dust and other allergens to task lists.

As Seniors Age, Their Risk of Disease and Health Problems Increases Preventative strategies can help seniors live healthier lives with fewer risks. 60% of older adults manage two or more chronic conditions, according to one study. Some conditions that affect seniors are preventable; others aren’t but may be improved if they are recognized early enough. ( Healthypeople.gov ) There are several preventative strategies seniors can use to protect their health and reduce their risks, including certain medical tests. It’s important for seniors to have these screenings performed. Common Preventative Services for Seniors ( Healthine: Family Doctor ) Everyone Over 50 Colorectal Cancer Screening Annual Wellness Exam Influenza Vaccine High Blood Pressure Screening Skin Check Mental Health Checkups Everyone Over 65 Annual Pneumococcal Vaccines Diabetes Screening Thyroid Screening Annual Vitamin D Test Bone Density Scan Semi-Annual Hearing Test Annual Periodontal Exam Shingles Vaccines Annual Eye Exam Women Over 45 Cholesterol Screening Over 50 Annual Breast Cancer Screening Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear Over 65 Osteoporosis Screening Men Over 35 Cholesterol Screening Over 50 Prostate Cancer Screening How to Keep Track of Test and Screening With so many steps to take for preventative care, it’s easy for some tests to be overlooked or forgotten. Seniors should keep track of which services they have had performed and when. Some helpful methods for tracking include: Keep a checklist of annual screenings to be filled out each year Ask for copies of test results to keep in a binder Grant doctors’ offices permission to share files with each other electronically Sign up for electronic health records websites used by doctors’ offices Keep a long-term record of screening, procedures, and other notable medical events to bring to annual wellness appointments ( EverydayHealth ) Top Reasons to Take Preventative Measures Did you know some preventable disease can develop without noticeable symptoms? That’s one reason why screenings are important. Other reasons to have screenings as an older adult include: Might take actionable steps if warning signs of problems are detected Possibly identify disease early enough to treat them Reduce the impact of some conditions Improve the chances of living a long and healthy life ( Very Well Health ) Other Preventative Health Strategies Besides screening, tests, and vaccinations, the top strategies seniors can use to prevent health problems include: A healthy diet Regular exercise Getting rest ( NCBI ) Home Care Tip Many preventative services, like wellness exams or certain vaccines, are covered by most health insurance providers. Ask insurance providers for a full list of free services seniors can take advantage of.

Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, especially among seniors, it is important for caregivers to know the facts. 17.6 million deaths each year are caused by heart disease. Seniors are especially prone to cardiovascular complications. Learn about heart health to protect against this threat. In 1964, more than half of American deaths were the result of cardiovascular disease. Although this percentage has decreased, heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States. Every February is designated as American Heart Month by the federal government to encourage individuals to learn about, prevent, and address heart problems. Since seniors are especially at risk, it is important that caregivers understand heart disease. ( The American Heart Association ) Types of Heart Health Problems There are a wide variety of heart health problems. Cardiovascular disease is a term used to broadly describe the plethora of problems that can impair the cardiovascular system. Specific cardiac issues include, but are not limited to: Diabetes Hypertension High Cholesterol Cardiomyopathy Arrhythmia Valve Problems Pericarditis Stroke Heart Attack Heart Failure While some of these conditions are manageable, others can be fatal if they are not handled properly. It is vital for seniors and caregivers to learn the signs of heart problems. ( The American Heart Association ) Heart Facts for Seniors 121.5 million American adults have a cardiovascular disease 50% of cardiovascular procedures were for people over age 65 in 2014 Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States among seniors Men 77% of men between 60-70 years old have a heart disease Nearly 7% of males age 60-79 have heart failure The average age of 1st attacks is 65.6 years Women 66% of all stroke patients age 85 and older are female Cardiovascular events tend to occur later in life for women than men High blood pressure is more common in women, averaging 85% for those over 75 ( The American Heart Association ) Signs of Cardiovascular Issues Symptoms That Need Immediate Medical Attention Emergency treatment should be sought for signs of heart attack and/or stroke, such as: Chest pain or tightness Upper body pain in the jaw, neck, back or arms Difficulty breathing Sweating Vomiting and/or nausea Dizziness or lightheaded Facial drooping Slurred speech Slurred speech Unconsciousness/fainting Anxiety Heart palpitations Fatigue Numbness Impaired vision Signs it is Time to Schedule a Doctor's Appointment Many heart conditions can be managed with regular treatment or lifestyles changes. These conditions often present with mild symptoms. Seniors should schedule an appointment with their primary physician or cardiologist if they experience symptoms of heart disease like: Fluttering in the chest Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat High or low blood pressure Lightheaded Ongoing fatigue Dizziness, fainting, or near fainting Difficulty breathing after exercise Lower body swelling ( Mayo Clinic ), ( Mayo Clinic ) Tips for Heart Healthy Caregiving Treatment for heart disease varies according to the specific illness. Some treatments are as simple as dieting. Others may require medication. In general, caring for an individual with heart problems will require lifestyle changes. Caregivers can help seniors protect their hearts by: Reducing sources of stress Providing a heart-healthy diet Encouraging rest and taking physical activity slowly Creating low level exercise regimens Offering medication reminders Watching for signs of change in heart and health ( WebMD ) Home Care Tip: For some seniors, heart disease can create fear and stress. Caregivers can offer support by remaining positive and offering solutions to reduce stress levels. Heart disease is not an immediate death sentence. A long life can be achieved through lifestyle changes in many cases.

Being a caregiver can be an exhausting and difficult task. It’s important to recognize caregiver burnout and cope healthily. Understanding caregiver burnout symptoms and comping mechanisms can help make caregiving more enjoyable and fulfilling. About 1 in 3 adults serves as an informal caregiver to another adult, like an aging parent or disable relative. Although may find the opportunity to care for a loved one to be a privilege, it can also be demanding. Here is how to cope effectively. Signs of Caregiver Burnout Caregiver burnout is a state of exhaustion that may result in a change of attitude. The exhaustion can be physical, emotional, and/or mental. Common signs of burnout include: Lack of energy Sleeping to little or too much Feeling fatigued Sense of hopelessness, despair Weight loss or gain Lost of interest in hobbies and activities Neglecting one’s own needs Feeling like one’s, life revolves around caregiving Growing impatient or irritable with loved ones Worrying excessively about the future Mood swings or depression Challenges coping with everyday tasks or problems. Headaches, stomach aches, and other physical signs of stress Getting sick easily Tips for Coping with Caregiver Burnout Burnout doesn’t have to be permanent condition. Use these tips to prevent and cope with caregiver burnout. Ask For and Accept Help Others may desire to be or willing to help caregiving tasks, even if only temporarily. Set Realistic Goals Understanding that not all tasks can be done all of the time. Consider saying “no” to extra requests and demands. Connect with Others Find a support group, talk to a friend regularly, and connect with others who can listen and understand. Avoid Common Causes of Burnout Caregiving for too many hours, not having space to process emotions, lack of sleep, and other issues are common causes of burnout. Avoid these to recover and prevent further exhaustion. Make Time for Yourself Make time for rebuilding and recharging – consider scheduling time for the gym, naps, doctor appointments, and self-care activities. Caregiving by the Numbers Caregiving is common in the United States About 43.5 million people offer unpaid caregiving in the U.S. About 15.7 million caregivers are helping someone with memory illnesses About 75% of caregivers are female About 57% of caregivers preform clinical tasks The average caregiver is 49 years old Family caregivers send 24.4 hours caregiving a week on average 40% of caregivers are in high-burden situations Due to the prevalence of caregiving in the U.S., support groups for caregivers are common. These can be helpful in preventing and coping with burnout. Burn out Risk Factors Caregivers are more likely to experience burnout if they: Are female Live with the person they are caring for Are socially isolated Have depression Face financial difficulties Spend most of their hour’s caregiving Didn’t have much choice in caregiving options Home Care Tip There are many options for caregiving. Caregivers should not feel they are the only ones who can helped their loved ones because the pressure will cause exacerbate burnout. Involve other loved ones in caregiving, find an adult day care, or consider a private aid.

The Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors (And How to Avoid Them) Seniors are often targeted by con artists. Scams are most often conducted through the phone, mail, or internet. The FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the United States Justice Department, and many law enforcement groups have all made statements about seniors being targeted for scams. Women over 60 who live alone are particularly susceptible. In recent years, con artists have taken advantage of a number of older Americans by scamming seniors. Realizing that many seniors have money but little knowledge of technology or current scams, criminals see opportunity. You can help protect seniors by sharing information with them about common senior-targeting scams. Senior Phone, Mail and Door-to-Door Scams Many scams targeting seniors are carried out over the phone. These are the most common to watch out for: Health Health insurance scams requesting personal information Health insurance scams offering or requesting money Medical equipment telemarketing Medicare billing calls Telemarketers claiming Medicare covers their services or products Blank health forms requiring signatures Charity Telemarketers requesting financial information over the phone Claims that unfamiliar local charities need funds Request to support individuals or invest in new charities Home Goods and Services Door-to-door repairmen or contractors who have not been requested Service personnel claiming to be sent by a utility company without prior notice Contracts without refund, cancellation, or other legal details Providers looking to install equipment without prior request Anyone wo asks for money before work is completed IRS and Service Provider Scams Phone calls supposedly from the IRS requesting information or money Tax or service related mail asking for a signature or money besides regular bills Offers or winnings for contests or lotteries seniors have not entered In-person visits without prior notice from supposed collections agents “Bank” or “bank card” requests for personal or financial account information ( NCOA ) Digital Scams Targeting Seniors Many scams that target seniors use digital technology, especially pop-ups or emails, since seniors are less likely to understand what is or isn’t valid online. Look out for: Emails claiming someone is in danger or needs ransom Emails that say: “Re:” but are not replies to emails seniors have sent Emails about goods or services “purchased” that have not been purchased Pop-ups that claim ransom or software is needed to unlock the computer Offers for tech support or protection software from unfamiliar companies Any requests for passwords, personal information like a social security number, or money made by companies seniors do not have an account with Emails supposedly from known providers or companies that are not :com: or that look unprofessional Services offered by unknown entities, including “tax accountants” that are unfamiliar Offers or winnings emailed or in a pop-up that seniors did not sign up for ( Federal Trade Commission ) How to Protect the Elderly Encourage seniors to: Allow loved ones to be involved in their finances Ask a trusted loved one about any requests for personal or financial information Require written documentation before agreeing to a contract or giving away information Ask for a certified letter when government agencies call Never hire someone or allow someone inside if they are going door-to-door Refuse to make on-the-spot decisions, ask for contact information instead Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry 1-888-382-1222 Verify with known representatives using official provider numbers when receiving calls on the providers behalf. ( AgingCare ) Home Care Tip Develop a list of the names, numbers, and email addresses of senior’s utilities, insurance, and other finance-related providers. Urge seniors to contact those designated provider representatives using the list instead of discussing legal or financial matters with people who call them.

Seniors who are homebound face extra challenges. Loneliness, lack of physical activity, and more can become problems. Help senior stay active. Being homebound as a senior can increase risk of loneliness, stress, lack of physical activity, and more. It is important for seniors’ health to stay active even if unable to get out. Up to 3.6 million people over 65 in the US are considered housebound. Often, those who are housebound suffer from medical and/or mental illnesses. Between the isolation of being at home and the challenges of illnesses, homebound seniors often have trouble staying active. Common Challenges Homebound Seniors Face Seniors who are homebound often suffer from a medical problem, psychiatric disability, or a memory disorder. When seniors are homebound, they often face challenges like: Being isolated Feeling of loneliness Hardships getting medical care/going to appointments Difficulty buying groceries and other essentials Mobility problems within the home Lack of exercise and physical activity Trouble finding mental stimulation Few conversations or social connections Decreased quality of life Top Reasons Seniors Become Homebound Limited mobility Weakness Poor balance Medical conditions Memory disorders Mental health problems Lack of social support or assistance Top Ways to Help Homebound Seniors Stay Mentally Sharp Crosswords Puzzles Reading Learning something new Regular conversations Practicing memorization Tips for Staying Active When Homebound Staying active can help seniors who are homebound to live higher quality, healthier lives. Use these tips to help seniors stay active: Find Exercises That Seniors Can do At Home Physical activity is a natural form of stress relief. It also helps seniors stay flexible, fit and healthy. Some great exercises for homebound seniors include: Stretching Seated strength training Aerobic exercise Yoga Help Seniors Enjoy a New Hobby Trying something new cna help seniors stay sharp and active. Activities like knitting, reading, painting, wood carving, and scrapbooking, are great choices. Set Seniors Up in Online Communities There are lots of ways for seniors to connect with others online. If they really like writing, for example, they could write a blog. Online communities, chat rooms, and digital games all allow seniors to socialize without leaving home. Play Games Regularly If seniors have favorite board or card games, make time to play on a regular basis. They may also be able to play some games by themselves. Encourage Visitors Socializating doesn’t require going out. Seniors can connect with others by: Having visitors over Hosting groups and activities Using skyo to catch up with friends or loved ones Taking Care Of Their Place For seniors able to perform some maintenance, cleaning, or decorating tasks, it is good to keep at it. These sorts of activities can help seniors stay active and take pride in their home. Home Care Tip Often being homebound can be discouraging for seniors. Help them stay positive and encourage them to stay active by participating in their activities.

The holiday season tends to carry changes in routine, decor, diet, and more. For seniors, these shifts can hinder safety and make the season stressful. Use these tips to ensure seniors have a happy, health holiday. Top Challenges to Holiday Safety Traveling alone Disrupted routine Missed medications Unhealthy diet Time spent sedentary Loneliness The expense of gifts Too much activity ( Care.com ) Mental and Emotional Health Tips Although holidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's can be happy and celebratory, for many seniors these holidays, feel lonely. Increased instances of moods and depression can result. Help seniors stay safe mentally and emotionally Encourage social activity, even if through technology like video chatting Offer holiday activities, like decorating, crafting, or selecting gifts Make healthy versions of holiday food favorites Ask seniors about their traditions and memories Help by listening, sympathizing, and reminding them of their faith or values ( Seniors Matters ) Holiday Travel Safety for Seniors Visiting with loved ones during the holidays is often a source of joy, but traveling can be hard on seniors. Those planning to travel should: Talk to a doctor ahead of time about health concerns Ask for enough medication to cover time away and questions about time zones affecting medication schedules Wear compression socks if flying or spending a long time in the car Bring copies of important documents like health insurance and emergency numbers Give copies of travel itineraries to loves ones Carry medications and essential items on the plane or in the car in case of emergency or disruptions to plans Wear a medical ID if needed Use hand sanitizer and wash hands to avoid germs Ask for an escort or wheelchair to help navigate airports safely Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated ( Health in Aging ) Fun Holiday Activities for Seniors Spread cheer among seniors with activities like these: Make a wreath or a stocking or decorations Reminisce about the past and talk about tradition origins Listen to holiday classics Prepare favorite foods Connect with loved ones Pick out presents and cards Go for a walk somewhere indoors Watch a holiday classic ( DailyCaring ) Home Care Tip For seniors with memory-related issues, breaks from routine can be especially problematic. Caregivers can help seniors by writing things down, especially a schedule during the holidays. Setting automatic reminders for medications can also be helpful.