Caring for Adults

Taking responsibility for the care of a parent, spouse or friend is a tremendously generous decision—one that more and more people are faced with each year. Care giving relationships both rewarding and stressful as you learn how to help someone manage diabetes, adapt to other medical conditions and still find time for your own needs. As caregiver, an already busy schedule has become even busier. You cannot do everything, but you want to feel good about doing your best.

You can start with a written plan. Begin by talking to a healthcare professional about the things the person you are caring for will need. Think about everything, from help with grocery shopping and transportation to special equipment, administering medication and daily personal care. Then determine who will be responsible for providing these things—professionals, you, the caregiver, or willing family and friends.

Even though diabetes can be managed, people often feel exhausted by the need to continually watch what they eat, prick their fingertips for blood tests and get enough physical activity. As a person gets older, these demands can be even harder to keep up with, especially if they are adjusting to other medical complications, such as low vision, decreased mobility or digestive problems.

Remember that it may be difficult for a person who is getting older to accept the fact that he or she may need help. No one wants to feel like they losing independence. Do your best to continue talking to your parent or spouse as a mature adult, and keep them as involved as possible in decisions about their self-care. The more self-reliant they remain, the more energy you will have left over for you.

Tips for Caring for Adults

• It may be hard for some people to accept that they can no longer fully care for themselves. Work with the person you are caring for to determine just how much her or she is still able to do. Use your imagination, and you will come up with ways to help the person you are caring for feel less dependent on you.
• Initiate conversation. Even when you feel like there is nothing to talk about, comment on what is outside the window or events in the news today. Talking helps keep people sharp and socially involved.
• Make the house more fall proof. Falls can be emotionally devastating, making a person feel helpless and afraid. Help the person get his or her vision and hearing checked regularly, and remove hazards from walkways.
• Create a safer bathroom by using a nonskid mat in the shower or a shower chair. Make sure all towel bars are tightly secured, and consider a raised toilet seat if the person has trouble getting up from chairs.
• Encourage your loved one to stay involved in community groups and follow through on things that interest them. Physical activity, such as walking or gardening, is great for keeping a person's mind and body healthy.
• Get involved with a caregiver support group—either specific to diabetes caregivers or a general group. Many people have faced similar challenges, and they will have good advice for you.
• Set time aside for yourself. You still need and deserve time to pursue your own interests and goals. Care giving does not mean you have to put your life on hold.
• Take a close look at yourself. If you are losing sleep, showing signs of depression, feeling angry all the time or neglecting your responsibilities, then the care giving relationship is not working. Do not feel guilty. Make necessary changes or consider another solution.