November is American Diabetes Month. The elders in our communities are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes for several reasons, including increased insulin resistance and decreased physical activity. Once an older adult has diabetes, they may struggle to control it. Some are depressed, others have compound illnesses, and others still face cognitive challenges.
The Mayo Clinic advises the best way to regulate blood sugar levels is by having a healthy eating plan. If you are helping an older family member or friend with meals, you need to educate yourself on what’s good for them. Mind you, not everyone feels adequately prepared to care for seniors, which is when an agency like Angels on Call can step into the gap. Our services include meal planning and preparation, including dealing with specific dietary constraints.
Perhaps you’ve never considered an Aid service, but it can be an incredible stress reliever. When a personal aid is with your loved one, you have time to attend to other matters without worry. In addition, there are many other benefits besides cooking assistance to using an Aid service, including:
- Improving socialization for your loved ones, especially those homebound.
- Getting assistance with complex home matters, including safety
- Giving yourself time for self-care, so you don’t burn out
- Studies indicate an elderly person is less likely to have a serious event when there are aids attending
- Taking the person to doctors appointments, saving you valuable time
Angels on Call matches your family with an aid best suited to the elder’s personality and needs. You will have the opportunity to interview potential candidates, so you are always involved in the placement process. Alternatively, we can help get someone you know prepared to be your PAID aid!
Of course, Aids aren’t generally around 24-7, so you still have to consider the best foods for your loved one. There are some basics that will help you in designing any recipe.
- Carbohydrates become sugar. Limit the amount in any menu plan to 135 grams a day (on average).
- Eliminating fat can cause low blood sugar. Instead, avoid saturated fat. Good fats are found in nuts, avocados, and olives.
Tip: When labels say “fat-free,” the product may include salt, sugar, and other additives. Read the ingredient list and nutrition facts to be safe.
- Ingredients to avoid: Excessive amounts of milk (keep it to 2 cups of low-fat milk daily), limit salt, avoid processed food and sugary drinks (including most fruit juices)
- Formidable fixings: The good news is that there are a lot of ingredients suitable for diabetics. Look to lean meats, skinless fish, skinless poultry, whole grains, legumes, vegetables, butter, canola oil, tomatoes, apples, and grapes, just to name a few.
Now you have a solid foundation for what type of ingredients are best in a diabetic diet. Remember, however, you need not go it alone. Angels on Call offers a tailored approach to custom care. We have 13 offices in Pennsylvania, including Greater Philadelphia, Reading, Lancaster, and Newport. Call us any time to answer your questions and get more information. 1l-888-432-1070
