Diabetes: Types and Symptoms

Posted on February 22, 2012 by AuntAnns

Did you know that not all diabetes diagnoses are the same? In fact, there are two main types of the disease: type 1 and type 2. Gestational diabetes is also a form of the disease that affects around 4% of pregnant women.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Without these cells, sugar from the food a person eats cannot be moved out of the blood and begins to build up. When sugar builds up in the blood instead of in the body’s cells, the cells begin to starve for nutrients, causing other systems in the body to work to provide energy to keep the body functioning.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased hunger
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea with occasional vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained weight loss, even though you eat and feel hungry
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent infections of the skin, urinary tract, or vagina

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, affecting 90-95% of the people with diabetes. Unlike people with type 1, those with type 2 diabetes produce insulin; however, their pancreas either does not produce enough or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is made. This also causes sugar to build up in the blood as opposed to providing nutrients to the body’s cells. 

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased hunger
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea with occasional vomiting
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained weight loss, even though you eat and feel hungry
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent infections of the skin, urinary tract, or vagina 

Because diabetes care can be complicated, home care agencies like Aunt Ann’s Home Care of San Francisco are available to help diabetes patients navigate the medications and lifestyle changes that are in store. Contact us today in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000 for more information on how we can assist the diabetic in your life.

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Home Care: A Good Fit for Diabetics

Posted on February 14, 2012 by AuntAnns

Approximately 23% of seniors over the age of 60 have diabetes, and if left untreated or not properly cared for, this disease could result in complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease and could even lead to amputation of a limb. Diabetes can be difficult for an elderly person to handle on his or her own due to the new medications and lifestyle changes that must be adhered to regularly. Here are just a few ways in-home care can assist senior diabetics:

  • If diabetes has caused decreased vision, a senior may not be able to see a small foot sore that could quickly become a major problem. Home caregivers can inspect a diabetic’s feet daily, provide proper wound care, and coordinate care and appointments with the client’s physician.
  • A home caregiver can prepare tasty and healthy meals to help the diabetic maintain proper nutrition.
  • Caregivers can provide reminders for glucose testing and can schedule regular checkups with the senior’s doctor.
  • Seniors with diabetes are at a higher risk for both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and coping with diabetes requires a reasonably high level of cognitive ability. In-home caregivers can help seniors with diabetes and cognitive impairment manage their medications and ensure that all nutritional needs are being met.

Some extra assistance from an in-home caregiver at Aunt Ann’s Home Care of San Francisco can provide mental and physical stress relief for diabetics at home. Contact us today in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000 for more information on how we can assist the elderly diabetic in your life.

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Debunk Diabetes Myths with the Facts

Posted on February 7, 2012 by AuntAnns

Diabetes is on the rise in America, and despite its increasingly common status, there are still many misconceptions surrounding the disease. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to talk to your doctor about what your diagnosis means and any lifestyle adjustments that you need to make. Here are some of the common misconceptions people have about diabetes and the truth behind the myths:

  1. Myth: Diabetes isn’t that serious.

Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. 

  1. Myth: Anyone who is overweight will probably get diabetes.

Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, but most overweight people never develop it. In fact, many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight. 

  1. Myth: Eating too much sugar is what causes diabetes.

Fact: A healthy diet is extremely important, but simply eating too much sugar is not likely to cause diabetes. The disease actually begins when something disrupts the body’s ability to turn food into energy. 

  1. Myth: Once you have diabetes, you can never eat sweets again.

Fact: Diabetics can still eat sweets in moderation as part of a healthy meal plan or combined with exercise. However, they must take their insulin prescription regularly as recommended to ensure that the sugar is properly absorbed. 

Diabetes is a complicated and often misunderstood disease. Home care agencies, like Aunt Ann’s Home Care of San Francisco, can provide helpful eldercare services and information to help you and your loved ones cope with diabetes and live a normal life. Contact us today in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000 for more information about our diabetes care.

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Recognizing Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Seniors

Posted on December 27, 2011 by AuntAnns

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a seasonal form of clinical depression typically seen in the fall and winter months when shorter days and lack of sunshine make people feel moody. Many people brush off SAD as simply a case of the “winter blues,” but for seniors, in whom depression is common, it is important to take note of the signs of SAD in order to help them improve their quality of life and enjoy the festive holiday season.

Some common signs of SAD include:

  • Oversleeping
  • Extreme fatigue or sluggishness
  • Lack of interest in normally pleasurable activities
  • Increased appetite, overeating
  • Suicidal thoughts during more severe episodes

Be on the lookout for these warning signs, particularly when the family gets together this holiday season. If you do notice signs of SAD, consult the senior’s physician for proper treatment, encourage your senior loved one to exercise to boost his or her mood, or attend counseling with him or her.

Home care agencies, like Aunt Ann’s Home Care of San Francisco, can provide helpful services to combat depression and SAD. For more information about our eldercare companionship or respite care services, contact us today in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.

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Holiday Warning Signs: Is Help at Home Needed?

Posted on December 20, 2011 by AuntAnns

Gathering together with family members during the holidays is a great time to catch up with loved ones that you don’t get to see often, but it is also a good time to take stock of how your senior family members and friends are doing. Aunt Ann’s Home Care has found that this time of year is often when families discover that seniors require extra help at home. When the holidays bring you together this year, be on the lookout for the following warning signs that help at home is needed.

Unexplained weight loss:

Does your senior loved one seem noticeably thinner? For the elderly, losing weight without trying may be a sign that something is wrong. He or she may be having trouble preparing meals or there may be another health issue that is more serious, like malnutrition, dementia, depression, or cancer. When alone, check the fridge and cupboards. Are they stocked with things that could easily provide a healthy meal?

Unkempt appearance:

Has the senior’s general appearance changed in unexpected ways? Failure to keep up with daily grooming routines can indicate health problems such as dementia, depression, physical impairments or vision problems.

Home in disarray:

Is the senior’s home generally well cared for? Any big changes in the way things are done around the house could provide clues to health. For example, scorched pots could mean forgetting about food cooking on the stove. Neglected housework could be a sign of depression, dementia, or other problems.

Also watch out for changes in mobility, increased confusion, and trouble managing medications. These could all be signs that extra care is needed at home. If you have noticed any of these warning signs in a senior family member or friend, contact Aunt Ann’s Home Care in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000 for more information on how in-home care services can help.

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Senior-Friendly Celebrations

Posted on December 12, 2011 by AuntAnns

The holidays are times for celebration, relaxation, and spending time with family. Aunt Ann’s Home Care understands however, that holidays can become overly stressful, particularly for seniors with physical limitations and their family caregivers. However, with a little thought and planning, you can relieve the stress and enjoy a happy, fun-filled, San Francisco holiday season.

Be inclusive. A difficult part of the holidays for seniors is not feeling included in the holiday celebrations and traditions that they used to enjoy. Try to include frail seniors in holiday preparations and activities to the extent that they are willing or able to participate. Additionally, ask them what they need and how they want to celebrate. Make necessary arrangements for seniors so everyone has a good time.

Be sensitive. Understanding that many seniors have physical restrictions can help families create realistic expectations for celebrations and activities. If a senior has some form of dementia, keep him to a normal daily routine to help him feel comfortable. Also, be cautious of decorations and noise levels. For example, candles can be dangerous around seniors with mobility problems, and background music can be distracting and confusing for seniors with hearing issues.

Be prepared. For holiday outings with seniors, preparation is key. Plan your outings carefully to ensure that they will be safe and enjoyable for your senior loved ones. Assign someone to be the day’s companion to the senior in order to make sure he or she is comfortable and has access to anything he or she needs.

Click here for further tips on making the holidays senior-friendly.

Often, spending time with senior friends and family members over the holidays uncovers a need for extra care at home. If you would like some information about how home care or respite care services can help your loved ones, contact Aunt Ann’s Home Care in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.

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Seasonal Safety: Keeping the Home Safe & Festive During the Holidays

Posted on December 5, 2011 by AuntAnns

Colorful lights, ornaments, and festive decorations are some of the favorite parts of the holidays. However, all these extras can create some safety hazards for older adults with sight or mobility issues. Even favorite holiday foods need to be monitored if your senior loved ones have dietary restrictions. Aunt Ann’s Home Care encourages you to enjoy a safe and happy holiday with older adults in their home and yours with these simple safety tips:

Decorating:

  • Use simple decorations that won’t cause clutter. Make sure there is plenty of room for the senior to walk.
  • Make sure to keep extension cords out of the way to prevent tripping.
  • Use bright centerpieces of fruit or flowers instead of candles.

Lighting:

  • Make sure all areas of the home are well lit when seniors are visiting.
  • Add a night light in the guest room, hallways, and bathrooms.
  • Make sure light switches are easily accessible.

Foods:

  • Keep candy and sweets to a minimum to prevent sugar highs and lows.
  • Store sweet treats in cabinets instead of out in bowls to prevent over-snacking.
  • Monitor alcohol intake or avoid it altogether as it can have unwanted reactions with a senior’s medications.

Click here for further holiday safety tips for seniors.

Take the opportunity this holiday season to evaluate any additional care needs that your senior loved one might have. For tips on how to open the conversation about in-home care or to learn more about home care services, contact Aunt Ann’s Home Care in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.

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How Do You Know when Someone is Experiencing Vision Loss?

Posted on November 22, 2011 by AuntAnns

Seniors are often hesitant to discuss concerns regarding vision problems they may be experiencing. Family members and caregivers should know how to recognize the warning signs of vision loss in order to help the senior seek medical assistance when necessary.

Look for the following signs that may indicate vision loss:

  • Constantly bumping into things
  • Difficulty walking on irregular or bumpy surfaces
  • Moving hesitantly or shuffling feet
  • Slowly and cautiously going up and down stairs
  • Over- or under-reaching for objects
  • Squinting or tilting head to the side to see things
  • Not noticing stains on clothing
  • Having trouble identifying colors
  • Problems getting food onto a fork or cutting food

Also, listen for the following complaints, as they may also be signs of vision problems:

  • Seeing halos or rings around lights
  • Having migraine headaches that blur vision
  • Sore eyes
  • Seeing spots, flashes, or having double vision
  • Requiring more light to see

Encourage seniors who experience combinations of these symptoms to see an eye specialist.  Click here for further tips on identifying vision loss in seniors .

For more information on eldercare inSan Francisco, contact Aunt Ann’s Home Care at 415.974.3530 or 650.757.2000. We can develop a unique in-home care plan for you or your loved one to help make in-home eldercare a long-term solution.

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Inventive Products that Can Help the Vision Impaired

Posted on November 15, 2011 by AuntAnns

Aside from turning up the lights, reducing glare, and modifying the home for better visibility, what else can you do to make aging in place safer for someone with low vision? As it turns out, a lot. There are several inventive products on the market today to help make life a little easier for the sight impaired.

Talking Color Identifier

Colors can be very difficult for a person with low vision to pick out. The Colortest talking color identifier by Cartec is a small device that detects around 100 different colors. It speaks clearly at 3 volumes and even has an earphone jack.

(Available at visionaware.org) 

VOXCOM III Voice Labeling System

This device allows users to record audio labels and messages by pressing a button and inserting a label into the unit. The label can attach to canned goods, medication, clothing, food, and other household items.

(Available at maxiaids.com)

Talking Alarm Cube Clock

This clock verbally announces the time hourly or on demand.

(Available at maxiaids.com)

Click Pocket Money Brailler

This handy device marks denominations of money by pressing Braille text into the bills.

(Available at magnifyingaids.com)

There are a number of online retailers that offer handy aids for the visually impaired. If you would like more recommendations on products or devices that might be of use for someone with low vision and would like to learn more about our in-home care services forSan Franciscoseniors, contact Aunt Ann’s Home Care inSan Francisco(415) 974-3530 or in thePeninsula(650) 757-2000.

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Top Home Modifications for the Vision Impaired

Posted on November 8, 2011 by AuntAnns

A vital benefit of working with an in-home care agency like Aunt Ann’s Home Care is that professional caregivers and staff members can identify specific areas in the home where modifications should be made for safer living. For individuals with low vision, there are several areas of the home that need to be evaluated for safety, and there are many modifications that can be made in order to improve lighting and make objects throughout the home more visible.

Stairways can be hazards in the home regardless of how good a person’s vision is. However, if a person has low vision, the following modifications can make using stairs safer:

  • Mark the leading edge of the first and last steps with bright paint or reflecting tape that contrasts with the coloring of the floor.
  • Paint the staircase handrails in a bright color that contrasts with walls and flooring.
  • Use solid, brightly colored, and/or textured hallway runners to clearly define walking spaces.

To improve lighting and reduce glare, try the following modifications:

  • Maintain continuous lighting levels throughout the home. If possible, install supplemental lighting in entryways, hallways, and at the top and bottom of stairs.
  • Use fluorescent ceiling fixtures for general room lighting.
  • Use nightlights to create lighted pathways at night.
  • Use mini-blinds or vertical shades to control direct sunlight.

Color plays a big role for people with low vision. Certain colors are easier to see and distinguish, and contrasting colors can help people determine depth. Keep the following color and contrast principles in mind:

  • Solid, bright colors like red, orange and yellow are generally easiest to see because they reflect light well.
  • Certain color groups are difficult for people with low vision to distinguish between. For example, it may be hard to tell the difference between each of the colors in these groups:
    • Navy blue, brown & black
    • Blue, green, & purple
    • Pink, yellow & light green 

If you or a loved one is experiencing low vision and would like to know more about modifications for the home, contact Aunt Ann’s Home Care inSan Francisco today for a home modification assessment. Call our offices in San Francisco(415) 974-3530 or in the Peninsula(650) 757-2000.

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