How Assisted Living Can Help You Manage Your Diabetes

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Are you concerned about managing your diabetes as you age? If so, you are not alone. A third of older people have diabetes, which increases the risk of heart disease, kidney failure and other complications. Seniors who live alone may also have difficulty getting to the grocery store, exercising regularly, or preparing meals with the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

One benefit of assisted living that you may not have thought about for yourself or a loved one is helping manage diabetes so you can enjoy retirement with less money. worry and stress. Supported Living Communities have trained staff and personalized services available for people with diabetes, making it easier than ever to take charge of your health.

Speak to a family counselor about elder care options at (855) 953-4055

Nutritious Meals Await

No diet is right for everyone with diabetes. Depending on your activity level and other health issues, you may need to cut calories, increase your protein intake, or take other steps to control your blood sugar and avoid complications. If you’re moving into an assisted living facility, you’ll have all the tools and support you need to make good choices.

Assisted living communities typically serve three meals a day, ensuring you eat at regular intervals, which can help control your blood sugar. It is also common for these communities to have trained chefs, registered dietitians and other staff available to educate residents on the nutritional content of each menu item. You may even be able to make special dietary requests, which will make it easier to manage your diabetes without giving up your favorite flavor combinations.

Focus on fitness

People with diabetes do not produce insulin or do not have enough insulin available when they need it. Insulin is a hormone that transports glucose, also known as blood sugar, into your cells. This allows your body to use glucose as an energy source. If you have diabetes, regular exercise can make your body more sensitive to the effects of insulin, preventing glucose from building up in your bloodstream and increasing your risk of diabetic complications.

When you live alone, it’s hard to exercise regularly. Many seniors fear climbing steps or falling on slippery walkways, preventing them from getting out and moving around as much as possible. Indoor exercise is an option, but it’s hard to stay motivated when you don’t have someone to exercise with you.

Assisted living completely eliminates these worries, as each community is planned with the needs of seniors in mind. Many communities have fitness equipment specifically designed for seniors, which reduces the risk of injury. If you’re not interested in working out on your own, chances are your new community offers group fitness classes. Join one of these classes to stay active, make new friends and prevent the progression of your diabetes.

Increased access to medical care

Regular checkups are important for every senior, but they’re even more important if you have diabetes. A visit to your GP or endocrinologist can help you determine if your blood sugar has stabilized or if you need to take additional steps to manage your diabetes. Unfortunately, many seniors find it difficult to get to medical appointments, especially if they have to rely on friends and family to get around. Public transport is an option, but there is no guarantee that your nearest bus or metro line goes anywhere near your doctor’s office.

When you move into an assisted living facility, you have access to trained professionals who understand the needs of seniors with diabetes and other chronic health conditions. You can ask staff members questions and let them know if you are having trouble keeping your glucose levels within the safe range. Many assisted living communities also provide free transportation to medical appointments, eliminating a common barrier to accessing high-quality medical care.

Medication Administration

Taking your medications on time and as directed is one of the most important aspects of diabetes management. Older people who live alone often have difficulty remembering to take their medications, which increases the risk of high blood sugar and other complications. Assisted living communities typically offer medication administration services, ensuring that someone is always watching over you. If your community offers this service, you can have peace of mind knowing that a staff member is tracking your medications and making sure you take them as prescribed.

The essential

Diabetes can be difficult to manage, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle to manage it yourself. Assisted living communities offer a variety of services and amenities to help you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet, exercise, and medications. This type of retirement home can also provide transportation to medical appointments, ensuring you receive the right amount of attention from medical professionals. If you are currently exploring your senior living options, consider moving to an assisted living community to motivate yourself and improve your health.