In the past two years, more than 3 million additional people have now have diabetes. Mostly Type II related to obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise. This is one of the most common health conditions among the elderly in senior housing. Many providers can accomodate the needs of diabetics, but not all. Be sure to ask what level of assistance they can provide; sliding scale? assistance with oral medications? injections?
Another 57 million Americans are classified as 'pre-diabetic', a condition that puts them at risk for developing diabetes in the near future. If you're considering care options, be sure consider whether your loved one might need diabetic care in the future and chose accordingly.
John E. Temple, Jr.
Co-founder of A Place for Mom