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Care of Elderly Diabetics
Some older
persons with diabetes find the routines of their diabetic care stressful
and sometimes fail to comply with recommendations for control of their
disease. If you have an older relative in your household who requires
special attention to diabetic control, you can be supportive by
reinforcing the physician's instructions, emphasizing the need for
constant control of the disease, and assisting the person in personal
care routines. Careful bathing and care of the feet and teeth may
prevent damaging infections.
Many elderly diabetics have chronic ill health and find some assistance
by social service and home health care groups helpful. Some who are
unable to continue living in their homes, caring for themselves,
consider moving into sheltered care facilities. Elderly persons living
in retirement hotels, sheltered car homes, or nursing homes should make
their diabetic needs known to staff nurses and others in charge so that
meals and lifestyle will be conducive to control the disease.
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