<img height="1" width="1" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1124406241028611&amp;ev=PageView &amp;noscript=1">
27122
Ezra Home Care: Unwavering Support for Israel Against Hamas Terrorism and Its Backers
phone
617-527-9000
mail
info@ezrahomecare.com
facebook twitter linkedin

Diabetic Home Care Tips: Creating a Safe Home Environment

Picture credit to nytimes blog 2009
Diabetes can cause health complications, but people can stay safely in their homes with proper care and home modifications. 

Diabetes' effect on Hearing

The National Institute of Health states hearing loss is twice as often in people with diabetes.  In addition, people with pre-diabetes can have a hearing loss of almost 30% compared to those with normal blood sugar levels.

Simple sounds, such as from a telephone, a doorbell, or a smoke alarm, can become difficult and sometimes impossible to hear, leading to dangerous situations.  Fortunately, some devices can address all of these issues.  Doorbells, telephones, and smoke/fire alarms can be connected to a bright, flashing strobe light that immediately alerts the homeowner.  Smoke alarms can even connect to a vibrating pillow, a device that can shake a bed or a pocket buzzer. Also, smoke detectors emit a loud, low, mixed-pitch sound.

Diabetes' effect on nerve damage

Long-term exposure to high glucose levels can damage the nerves that send messages to the brain (diabetic neuropathy), ultimately causing the nerve not to conduct impulses effectively.  One of the results of high levels of glucose over a long period is a painful, burning, or stinging feeling in certain parts of your body, particularly your feet.  And since the nerves do not function well, the ability to sense or “feel” your feet can be lost and your muscles may not work as well.  The simple act of walking can become quite painful and challenging.  This change in feeling puts you at risk of falling and tripping, one of the most common reasons seniors are seen in emergency rooms.

Creating a safe home environment involves clearing clutter and making home modifications.  Trip hazards must be removed from walking areas.  The use of throw rugs should be eliminated, or the rugs should be securely taped down or affixed to the flooring so that they do not roll or curl up (which leads to tripping).  Ensure that stair treads and all floor surfaces are made of non-skid, non-slip materials.  Glossy surfaces should be avoided due to their slippery nature.  It is wise to install no/low thresholds (such at doorways and with a walk-in shower) and to avoid stairway use by installing a ramp, where possible.  Many ramps are currently on the market, including modular, easy-to-install ones.

Diabetes' effect on Vision

Diabetes can weaken and damage the small blood vessels in the retina of your eye (diabetic retinopathy).  When these blood vessels become damaged, fluid can leak from them, causing swelling in the central part of the retina called the macula.  The macula is part of the eye that provides clear, sharp vision, and this swelling can cause the vision to become blurry, making it hard for the eye to focus and see clearly.

The same holds for glaucoma and cataracts, which can cause vision problems.  40% of people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from glaucoma, and 60% have a greater chance of developing cataracts. While there is treatment for these conditions, diabetic retinopathy can severely restrict mobility in the home.

Some of the safety precautions recommended for nerve damage also apply to vision problems, such as non-slip floor surface materials and eliminating throw rugs.  In addition, those who have sight problems can have trouble determining when entering different rooms as they walk through the home.  Contrasting flooring colors between rooms move from one room to another or through a hall much easier to navigate.  Similarly, no/low thresholds, elimination of stairs, lighted face plates for switches, touch lamps, and special telephones with large dials are also helpful modifications.

Ezra Home Care is proud to offer Diabetic Care Program to our clients. Contact us to find out more information about our Diabetic Care Program.

Creating a safe home environment that allows "aging in place" is essential to just about everybody, whether they have diabetes or not. Ninety percent of Americans age 60 and older choose to stay right where they are, according to 20 years of data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

See also: "Bathroom Remodel for Seniors."
See also "Inexpensive Ideas for Aging in Place" Inexpensive Ideas for Aging in Place."

Schedule a Free Needs Assessment

Founded in 2008, Ezra Home Care offers live-in home care, 24-hour care, and hourly senior care.
All our caregivers are state-certified and provide services like personal carehousekeepingcompanionship, help with medication, and transportation assistance. We've spent 15 years refining our caregiver selection process to ensure families' peace of mind. Reach out for details and quotes.

Contact Us

or call us at 617-527-9000

You may also like to read
Is Palliative Care The Same as End-of-Life Care?
Alexander Schechter Jan 26, 2024
Is Palliative Care The Same as End-of-Life Care?

It is important to understand what are the differences between different forms of late-stage care when dealing with a serious and terminal disease. Let's discuss the specifics of palliative and end-of-life care to help you make informed decisions when the time comes. 

Read More
What is End of Life Care?
Alexander Schechter Jan 26, 2024
What is End of Life Care?

End-of-life care is an approach in healthcare that offers comfort, support, and dignity to individuals with terminal diseases. This type of care can take place in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, or even within a patient’s own home. It focuses on the specific physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of every individual as they approach the last stages of their life.

Read More
Is End-of-Life Care the Same as Hospice?
Alexander Schechter Jan 26, 2024
Is End-of-Life Care the Same as Hospice?

Making decisions about care options in the final stages of life can be overwhelming. This is why it is crucial to understand the key differences between different types of care upfront, to avoid any additional stress during a period as challenging as this one.

Read More