How Assisted Living Can Help You Manage Your Diabetes
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. McClatchy newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content.
Are you worried about managing your diabetes as you get older? If so, you’re not alone. One-third of older adults have diabetes, increasing the risk for heart disease, kidney failure and other complications. Seniors who live alone may also have trouble getting to the grocery store, exercising regularly or preparing meals with just the right balance of carbohydrates, fats and protein.
One benefit of assisted living that you may not have considered for yourself or a loved one is assistance managing diabetes so you can enjoy retirement with less worry and stress. Assisted living communities have trained staff and personalized services available for those suffering from diabetes, making it easier than ever to take control of your health.
Nutritious Meals Await
No single diet works for everyone with diabetes. Depending on how active you are and what other health conditions you have, you may need to cut calories, increase your protein intake or take other steps to keep your blood sugar in check and avoid complications. If you move to assisted living, you’ll have all the tools and supports you need to make good choices.
Assisted living communities typically serve three meals per day, ensuring you eat at regular intervals, which may help keep your blood sugar under control. It’s also common for these communities to have trained chefs, registered dietitians and other staff members available to educate residents on the nutrition content of each menu item. You may even be able to make special dietary requests, making it easier to manage your diabetes without giving up your favorite flavor combinations.
Focus on Fitness
People with diabetes either don’t produce insulin or don’t 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 a source of energy. 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 the risk of diabetic complications.
When you live alone, it’s tough to exercise regularly. Many seniors worry about navigating steps or falling on slippery walkways, preventing them from going outside and moving around as much as possible. Indoor exercise is an option, but it’s difficult to stay motivated when you don’t have anyone 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 designed specifically for older adults, reducing the risk of injury. If you’re not interested in working out on your own, chances are that your new community offers group fitness classes. Join one of these classes to stay active, make new friends and prevent your diabetes from progressing.
Increased Access to Medical Care
Regular checkups are important for every senior, but they’re even more important if you have diabetes. A visit with your primary care physician or endocrinologist can help determine if your blood sugar levels have stabilized or if you need to take additional steps to manage your diabetes. Unfortunately, many seniors have trouble getting to medical appointments, especially if they have to rely on friends and family members for rides. Public transportation is an option, but there’s no guarantee your nearest bus or metro line goes anywhere near your doctor’s office.
When you move to assisted living, you gain 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’re having trouble keeping your glucose level in 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. Seniors who live alone often have trouble remembering to take their medications, increasing the risk of high blood sugar and other complications. Assisted living communities typically offer medication administration services, ensuring that someone is always looking out for you. If your community offers this service, you can rest easy knowing that a staff member is tracking your medications and making sure you take them as prescribed.
The Bottom Line
Diabetes may be difficult to manage, but that doesn’t mean you need to struggle to do it on your own. 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 senior living community may also offer transportation to medical appointments, ensuring you receive just the right amount of attention from health care professionals. If you’re currently exploring your senior living options, consider moving to an assisted living community to get you motivated and improve your health.
