As we grow older, diabetes tends to be one of the diseases that affects the most our seniors. In fact, the American Diabetes Association estimates that 8.3 percent of the total United States population has diabetes, of which 18.8 million people are diagnosed and about seven are undiagnosed. Out of all these people, 10 million people are age 65 years or older.
In a study from 2007, diabetes was believed to have contributed to 231,404 deaths that year. The complications from diabetes are many, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, neuropathy, amputation and more.
One of the many issues diabetic seniors encounter is finding a place to live. Typical assisted living communities accept diabetics who can self-manage their insulin if they are using this as a way to care for their health. The issue arises when seniors are not able to do this, because of mental deterioration, blindness, or other physical needs. DSHS requires that a community have a nurse there to provide the insulin shots.
What if a senior can do his/her own insulin shots? DSHS is still very clear on asking for a plan B. And as most seniors move in to a community alone, that plan B would need to be a nurse.
In a nutshell, families and seniors with diabetes looking for a community should always ask about the community’s diabetes care plan. We are so used to hearing about people with diabetes that most people inquiring will forget to mention this and it can be a deal breaker.
EvergreenHealth Medical Center has a wonderful team of educators that help people in the area. Their diabetes center also offers information and endocrinologists and other experts to help keep diabetic seniors healthy.
A free event is planned to take place this fall. To RSVP, please call Aegis Lodge at (425) 814-2841.
The event, “A Healthy Diabetes Diet: It’s Not Just About Sugar,” runs from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Aegis Lodge in Kirkland. During this event, attendees will learn the basics of nutrition, meal planning to support the right blood glucose control and choosing the best foods when you are not the cook.
Sandra Cook is the marketing director for Aegis Lodge in Kirkland. Contact her at 425-814-2841.
