Taking care of diabetes may seem like a full-time job, especially with keeping track of your blood sugar, working out, making healthy meals, and pricking your fingers. Diabetes, particularly type 2 and the close care it needs to stay healthy, like regular doctor visits, trips to the pharmacy, and lab work, can be stressful for you and your loved ones. At any age, it can be hard to meet health goals, and it’s even harder if you have trouble moving around or other problems that make it hard to stay fit.
Some people find it easier to make important changes to their lives in an assisted living home or another supportive setting. If you or your loved ones are planning to move to an assisted living home in Philadelphia, PA, it is important to know that not all assisted living are equipped to take care of people with diabetes, but many can.
Assisted living homes can help you stay on track with your insulin or prescriptions by giving you personalized care plans, food choices, medication reminders and glucose monitoring. They also have walking clubs and fitness programs that can help lower your blood sugar and make you feel better.
Retirement Communities and Diabetes Management
If you are planning to move to a long-term retirement community, you may be able to get assistance in managing your glucose levels. Assisted living is a good choice for many because it helps to lead an active, social life. They take care of all maintenance, inside and out, and can help with personal care and some medications. The level of service depends on things like the retirement community’s license, state rules, the availability of trained personnel, medical needs etc.
With resort-style amenities and many on-site activities, assisted living homes provide a higher quality of life and more convenience than homes. If you have diabetes or some other long-term health problem, the benefits can be even better. Senior living residents have access to a variety of activities that are meant to improve their health and well-being.
Diabetes Type 2 Management Services at Assisted Living Homes
Here are a few ways that being in an assisted living home can help you manage type 2 diabetes and reach your health goals:
- Activities and services that are good for your overall health
- Fitness programs on-site, such as chair workouts and walking clubs
- Features like workout rooms and pools to help you stay in shape
- Diets for people with diabetes that have whole grains and lean protein
- Desserts with low or no sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth
- Snacks and drinks that can help keep your blood sugar stable
- Customized dietician-made meal plans
- Glucose monitoring to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels
- Reminders to take insulin and other medications
- Help with taking medicines and giving injections (in some cases)
- Availability of podiatry and primary care clinics on-site
- Nurses on call for health emergencies
- In case of an emergency, there are call buttons
- Routine medical checkups with the medical team
If you have diabetes and are thinking about moving into an assisted living home in Philadelphia, PA, it’s important to make sure the place you choose meets your needs. When you choose an assisted living community with expertise in diabetes and overall health management, do so by reviewing the team members, their training, and specific diabetes care programs.
