Occupational therapy can a great addition to the care team when managing diabetes.Those with diabetes, and those who provide care for them, know the importance of proper management of the disease: routine monitoring of blood glucose levels, carefully adhering to dietary restrictions, exercising and maintaining regular checkups with the doctor. But what might come as a surprise is the role occupational therapy can play in diabetes management.
Occupational therapists can – and should – be a vital part of a diabetic’s care team, bringing a full range of knowledge and expertise in addressing all of a patient’s needs: emotional, social, sensory and cognitive, as well as physical.
The American Association of Diabetes Educators has compiled the AADE 7TM Self-Care Behaviors, all of which can be enhanced through occupational therapy services:
- Healthy eating
- Remaining active
- Monitoring the disease
- Taking medications
- Solving problems
- Healthy coping skills
- Reducing risks
Here are just a few of the many ways a professional occupational therapist can improve diabetes management as well as the overall health and wellbeing for the person diagnosed:
- Provide recommendations for safe, appropriate physical activity
- Educate on appropriate meal choices and cooking techniques
- Assist with medication tracking and organization
- Share tips for effective blood glucose monitoring
- Utilize strategies and compensations for those with sensory loss
- Help alleviate anxiety and depression through daily lifestyle changes
- Recommend assistive devices as needed
- And much more
Nightingale Homecare is the perfect home health care partner in Scottsdale and surrounding areas for those with diabetes, or any other chronic condition. Our Pathlink Chronic Disease Management Program empowers patients with the education, strategies, technology, and self-management skills to better manage complex care needs. Additionally, our full range of customized home health services can also include occupational therapy and many other care professionals such as physical therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and caregivers, right in the comfort of home.
Whether the need is simply for a little extra help with housework, meals, and personal care, or if a chronic disease calls for skilled medical care, Nightingale Homecare is on hand with the right level of home health care at the right time. Contact us at (602) 504-1555 for a free in-home consultation where we’ll listen to the challenges being faced and create a plan of care to address those needs, monitoring over time as needs change. Discover how our home health in Scottsdale and the surrounding areas can improve quality of life and make each day the very best it can be!
