Did you know there are nearly 90 million family caregivers in the United States, and that number is growing? We’re recognizing these folks throughout November for National Family Caregivers Month. We kicked it off with a quiz to test your knowledge on family caregivers. Keep visiting stelizabeth.com/healthyheadlines all month long for more tips!
Like most chronic diseases, diabetes doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed with it: Everyone in the household will be impacted as the patient has to implement small and, sometimes, very large lifestyle changes.
The American Diabetes Association offers these tips for caregivers trying to help their loved ones successfully manage their diabetes:
- Stay informed
Diabetes is complex. It’s serious, yes, but it doesn’t have to be fatal. Talk to your loved one’s healthcare provider about where you can find accurate, reliable information and start reading, listening and watching. The more you know, the more you can help your spouse, parent or child stay healthy. - Let go of fear
Take some time to live with the fear, but not too much. Don’t let yourself, or your loved one, fall into panic mode, but acknowledge the elephant in the room. Ask, “What scares you most?” And listen. Then work together to find a way to address that particular worry. - Empower your loved one
Encourage your loved one to look after him- or herself, but don’t nag. Nagging sends people running in the opposite direction. Of course, children and teens will require supervision, so assess how much responsibility they can take on themselves and start planning. Talk to your doctor or certified diabetes educator about the best way to help. - Make some changes, too
Is there anything worse than being the only one at the table who’s on a diet? Make the switch to diet soda with your loved one and load up both your plates with vegetables. Take that 30-minute walk together. Your loved one will have an easier time making the adjustment if he or she isn’t making it all alone. - Set small goals
Start with easy ones, like taking a walk after dinner. And don’t offer help that you can’t give. But if you can offer specific assistance ““ filling out insurance forms, for example, or a lift to the doctor’s appointment ““ go for it. - Work with the care team
If your loved one agrees and you can manage it, go to the doctor’s visit and attend the classes. Listen to what both the provider and your loved one are saying and chime in when you can. Doctors and patients don’t always speak the same language. If you know your loved one is having trouble with a specific part of the care plan, speak up. - Take of yourself, too
Acknowledge you’re under stress, take a breath and see if anyone can help, either by providing a healthy meal once in a while or just meeting for coffee. Caregiver support groups, either in person or online, give caregivers a chance to share ideas and advice and sometimes, just vent.