AlterCare can help seniors who have diabetes

By Laura Philbrook

What would happen if one could “catch” diabetes as easily as catching a cold?

Of course, this is not the case, but diabetes is becoming more and more common among Americans, especially seniors. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 24 million Americans (eight percent of the U.S. population), including one in four seniors, have diabetes.

These numbers have nearly tripled from 1980 – 2007, and they are increasing at an alarming rate. The CDC report says that the number is an increase of more than three million over two years.

Complications from diabetes are serious. They include chronic illnesses that effect and are unfortunately common to our elders:
 
• Heart disease and stroke. Adults with diabetes have heart disease rates two to four times higher than adults without diabetes, and the risk for stroke is two to four higher as well.

• High blood pressure. Seventy-three percent of adults with diabetes have high blood pressure greater than 130/80 or use prescription medications for hypertension.

• Blindness. Diabetic retinopathy causes 12,000-24,000 new cases of blindness each year.

Other complications of diabetes can include kidney disease, nervous system disease, amputations and more.

As our population ages, treatment of diabetes and the related complications will tax our healthcare system
enormously. Seniors will be using our emergency rooms for related acute symptoms. They will have hospitalizations related to these outbreaks, especially those who live alone or are alone during the day.

The Deikel Family AlterCare Adult Day Program can help with these and other issues.

AlterCare, a program of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis, offers adult day service programming in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment for people who otherwise might be alone and isolated during the day. The program specializes in working with people who have memory and/or physical impairments, dementia and developmental disabilities, while offering respite for the at-home caregiver. An ongoing support group and free respite care for caregivers are offered.

AlterCare, located at Sholom Home West on the Ackerberg Community Campus in St. Louis Park, is an excellent place for disabled adults and seniors with diabetes. AlterCare’s trained staff can monitor diet and exercise, report to you changes in personal appearance or behavior, detect the possible onset of diabetes and help prevent further complications.  

For individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes, AlterCare is an excellent choice. Physical exercise is paramount in diabetes treatment, lowering blood sugar and reducing the need for insulin injections. AlterCare’s trained staff, under the supervision and training of a registered nurse, is able to check blood sugar and administer insulin if indicated.  

AlterCare can provide counseling, education and referral information for you and your family. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided from the kitchen at Sholom Home West. In addition, supervised daily exercise and walking programs are incorporated into the daily regime.

Consistent adult day attendance helps AlterCare staff provide the support needed to increase compliance with diabetes protocols, especially for those living alone. Early intervention, through daily observation by adult day staff, can reduce the use of expensive emergency room and inpatient services. As a result, people feel better and are healthier.

For information on AlterCare contact Laura Philbrook, at 952-922-1147.

* * *

Laura Philbrook, RN, is Clinical Nurse Manager of the Deikel Family AlterCare Adult Day Program.

Proudly meets or exceeds all standards.