Being an effective family caregiver for an elderly adult who is living with a serious health issue such as diabetes means educating yourself, and knowing everything you can about the problems they could face as a part of this disease.
One issue is hypoglycemia. Often referred to as low blood sugar, hypoglycemia is something many people think of when they think about diabetes. While you may understand the concept of low blood sugar, it is important to understand what it has to do with diabetes, and how you can help your parent deal with this issue.
It is normal for blood sugar levels to fluctuate several times throughout the day, but if the blood sugar drops too long, it can be very dangerous.
Symptoms can develop very quickly, and include:
- Shakiness
- Hunger
- Nausea
- Feeling anxious
- Feeling nervous
- Seizures
- Nightmares
- Increased rate of heartbeat
- Impaired vision
- Blurriness in the vision
- Headaches
- Tingling
- Irritability
- Impatience
- Clamminess
- Sweating or chills
- Paleness
- Clumsiness
- Confusion
If your aging parent is feeling these symptoms, encourage them to check their glucose levels.
If it is low, utilize the “15-15” rule, which involves giving them 15 grams of simple carbohydrates, then waiting 15 minutes. If their levels are still low, they should have another 15 grams, and wait another 15 minutes. If your parent does not recover after that, or their symptoms are severe, it is important to get them some urgent medical care to protect your parent from potentially severe complications. Even if your aging parent recovers quickly from their low blood sugar issue, it is important to talk to their doctor about this event. This allows the entire team to discuss the issue, identify the cause of the event, and come up with strategies to help prevent it from happening again.
Medication reminders can be extremely beneficial for an elderly adult who is living with a serious health problem such as diabetes.
An elder care provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure they manage their condition in the ways that are best for them, including offering reminders to help them stay compliant. Being compliant with prescriptions and instructions gives your aging parent the maximum benefit, and helps them to manage their condition in the best way possible. An elderly home care services provider can help your parent to remember when and how to take their medications, how to manage other treatment methods, and guidelines to follow. They can also support good lifestyle choices that will further help them manage their condition.
If you or a family member are in need of Elder Care in Aventura, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770.
Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Source:
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