Senior Care News

American Diabetes Awareness Month and Senior Care

Senior Care in Wooster OH

Becoming an ambassador of change during American Diabetes Awareness Month can occur at any age. The reason being is because diabetes is one of the primary causes of disabilities, as well as fatalities in America. When left uncontrolled, individuals of all ages can experience blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, and other health issues. Those assisting their loved ones with elder care can tackle these issues during American Diabetes Awareness Month by participating in events with them, or in their honor.

Why is This Month Important?

Not only is this month an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes and its related risk factors, but it’s also a time when families can encourage their loved ones receiving help with home care to make healthy lifestyle changes.

  • Small changes count: those helping with in-home care can encourage their loved one to include physical activity whenever energy levels aren’t too low.
  • Socialization makes a difference: loved ones can host a community open house where information about blood pressure and cholesterol screenings is available, as well as a speaker about the risk factors associated with diabetes.
  • Continued engagement opportunities: another opportunity for socialization is hosting another open house where a nutritionist comes in to provide information about how important it is to eat healthy and include physical activity into home care routines.

 

Ideas for Involvement

Some families assisting their loved ones with senior care have a vested interest in becoming more actively involved during American Diabetes Awareness Month. Here are some opportunities for taking action:

  1. The YMCA hosts numerous events throughout the month and, depending on location, they could have healthy eating programs included with physical activity. Senior classes are available at most locations.
  2. Families and their loved one can offer to give a presentation about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity at their local senior center or church.
  3. Find a location appropriate to host a diabetes-friendly cooking demonstration featuring recipes recommended by a nutritionist. If possible, request that the nutritionist be involved in the event.

 

Seeking Outside Support

During American Diabetes Awareness Month, it’s important for families to bring the facts to their aging loved ones. However, this is a delicate subject to bring up in some households. If this is the case, it may be necessary for a family member to attend a doctor’s appointment with their aging loved one during this month and request that their physician present these facts. That way, an unbiased individual is bringing this information to them in a neutral environment that is safe and non-confrontational. By doing so, aging loved ones will have all the risk factors in front of them and family members will have the foundation necessary to move forward throughout the rest of the month with encouraging a healthier lifestyle.

If you are considering hiring senior care services near Wooster, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Ashland, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Loudonville, Mt. Gilead, Shelby, Wooster and the surrounding areas.

Source
National Diabetes Awareness Month

Stephen Sternbach

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