Living with Limitations

In addition to diabetes, chances are the person you're caring for has some other medical issues they need to adapt to. After all, as we age, our hearing and vision isn't often as sharp as it used to be. With some creative thinking and flexibility, just about anything can be worked through.

Hearing Loss

While not related to diabetes specifically, many older people won't hear as well as they used to. Keep this in mind when you try to talk with them.

•  People with hearing loss rely more on visual cues from watching your face, mouth and motions. Make eye contact before trying to start a conversation.

•  Minimize distractions - turn down the television or radio.

•  Don't sit with the light behind you. The glare makes it hard to focus on your face.

•  Speak slightly louder, but don't yell. Yelling can distort the sound of your voice and the way your mouth moves, actually making you harder to understand.

•  Write important points down or ask the person to repeat them to you to confirm that you're on the same page.

Low Vision

Vision loss is often associated with diabetes, because over time high blood sugar can damage the fine blood vessels in the eyes. But some small changes around the house can help a person with low vision continue to do things for themselves.

•  Make sure their glasses are always clean. This is often overlooked, and just makes matters worse.

•  Increase the amount of light available. Older people tend to need more light than younger ones do, anyway.

•  Use contrasting colors to help things stand out. For example, white dishes with a colored rim or colored glassware are easier to spot on the table.

•  Brightly colored tape can be used to identify lots of things - from the edges of stairs to the 350-degree mark on the oven dial.

•  Use a dry-erase board to keep track of medication schedules and other important information in bold letters.

Limited Mobility

People who can't get around on their own may need extra help finding ways to stimulate their minds and bodies.

•  Talk to your doctor about appropriate exercises including swimming, riding a stationary bike, or performing seated exercises with dumbbells or other resistance equipment.

•  There are special techniques for helping someone out of a chair, bed, or bath. Ask your doctor where you can learn how to do these things without injuring yourself or the person you're helping.

•  Look into special transportation services offered by your community.

•  Encourage the person you care for to stay involved in support groups, local activities, or their social circle.