Introduction
The term “Home care” encompasses a wide range of health and social services that are usually available 24 hours a day. Homecare is indicated when an individual needs post-hospitalization care or prefers to stay at home but needs ongoing care that cannot easily or effectively be provided by family and friends. From a more positive standpoint, homecare is more comfortable for patients, offers less risk of infection, saves health care cost, and lends itself to the promotion of ongoing strategies to improve patients’ quality of life.
On the other hand, Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body produces no insulin or insufficient insulin. Insulin is a chemical (hormone) produced and secreted by the pancreas. Insulin helps the nutrients to enter the cells of the body. When insulin is absent or ineffective, cells import inadequate amounts of glucose, a starvation process that causes the liver to release more glucose into the blood in an attempt to feed other tissues. As this glucose-rich blood is filtered by the kidneys, excess sugar enters the urine, accompanied by extra water. High levels of sugar in the blood and urine cause the symptoms and signs of diabetes, such as frequent urination and excessive thirst which is abnormal to health.
Home care is an excellent option for diabetic patients because a number of people suffering from diabetesis still mentally resilient and independent, but due to the unique complications of their disease, they are unable to manage all of their health needs, which home care personnel can provide.
Here are some of the great ways diabetic patients can benefit from homecare services:
Medication Management
Diabetes is controlled through the use of insulin. Tracking blood sugar level is a full-time job which many elderly patients are incapable of maintaining all the time, but if their levels go too high or too low, it affects brain function and causes confusion for them. A trained caregiver or homecare nurse gives peace of mind for those with diabetes. They assist with medication monitoring, identifies symptoms of low or high blood sugar levels, and can also provide help in an emergency situation.
Improve quality of life
Quality life means happiness, comfort and participation in life. Patients with diabetes perceive significant differences in the quality-of-life due to effects of complications and treatments related to their condition. The quality-of-life burden appeared to arise from the prospect of multiple daily insulin medications. In homecare, your diabetic loved one gets the opportunity of staying under the supervision of a trained caregiver while receiving the attention that he or she may require. Quality of life is freedom to live as we like while maintaining our health, loving relationships and individual pursuit of happiness.
Monitoring Blood Glucose
Regularly checking of blood glucose is important in managing diabetes. However, decreases in dexterity or vision make it hard for some seniors to check their own blood sugars level. Homecare providers can help diabetic patients check their blood sugars and teach them how to do it independently. They can also review blood glucose logs to help their health care provider make adjustments to their medications.
Assistance with mobility and Vision
Diabetes affects the eyes and nerve endings. Many people who have lived with diabetes for a long time have issues walking due to damaged nerves in the feet, and issues with sight due to damage to the eyes. This can impede their day-to-day activities, and put them at a greater risk of falling. That is where home care comes in. Home care workers can help their clients get around where they need to go, and assist them with the everyday functions that may be challenging, such as reading mail, making meals, or transportation.
Meal Preparation
A healthy diet is important to managing blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients with mobility, vision, budget, or transportation difficulties may not be able to prepare their own healthy meals. Homecare providers help people to plan appropriate menus, take them grocery shopping, and prepare meals. They also teach elderly individuals about healthy eating to manage their diabetes.
Conclusion
In as much as there is currently no cure for Diabetes, the disease can be effectively managed with medications, a change in diet, exerciseand improved quality of life which gives youthe freedom to live and maintain good health as well as happiness. Home care offers such solution to lessen the impact the disease has on one’s health and well-being. In homecare, the Caregiver prepares meals for the client in accordance with a meal plan set by a professional dietician or nutritionist (e.g., low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian, or vegan), manages medications, promotes physical activity and quality of life.
Trained caregivers or homecare nurses can always provide support, education, and assistance to Diabetic patients and their families. You can also contact us for more enquiry; Call us, e-mail or visit our website. 08139779499 E-mail: info@angelsservices.orgorwww.angelsservices.org Uzoma C.