Diabetes prevalence increases with age, posing significant health risks for seniors. In fact, one-third of Americans over 65 years old have diabetes, and half of older adults have prediabetes. Early identification of blood sugar irregularities is crucial for enhancing their quality of life.

However, managing diabetes presents distinct challenges for older adults who may experience comorbidities like cognitive dysfunction, which makes diabetes and medication management more difficult.  

For seniors living in senior living communities, these facilities can help tackle issues, including mobility limitations, strengthening the role of caregivers, and providing convenient onsite and at-home A1C testing, significantly contributing to the prevention of serious diabetes-related complications and managing healthy living habits.

Why A1C Testing is Critical for Seniors

With aging comes a heightened susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Over 29% of adults aged 65 and above live with diabetes. This statistic underscores the urgent need for proactive monitoring. Seniors frequently contend with co-existing health issues such as heart disease and dementia, conditions that diabetes can significantly exacerbate.

A1C tests offer a crucial advantage by providing a long-term view on glucose control, to help prevent complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues.. For seniors without diabetes, a normal A1C typically falls below 5.7%, but this threshold can slightly vary with age.

For seniors diagnosed with diabetes, maintaining a target A1C of 6.5 or lower is generally recommended. Consistent A1C monitoring is therefore essential for preventing the onset or progression of severe diabetes-related complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life.

Unique Challenges in Senior Living

Senior living communities face distinct hurdles in providing consistent diabetes care. Mobility issues create significant barriers to transporting residents for regular blood work at off-site clinics. There are a number of common conditions, including muscle weakness, joint problems, pain, disease, and neurological difficulties, that impact seniors’ mobility.

Arranging transportation, managing schedules, and addressing the resistance of some residents add complexity and cost, making in-home testing kits a more convenient and safer alternative. Cognitive decline further complicates diabetes management, as memory and executive function deficits can hinder self-care behaviors, medication adherence, and the ability to follow dietary recommendations.

Additionally, the presence of multiple comorbidities in many seniors means they often manage numerous medications and appointments, which can overshadow or interfere with consistent diabetes care.

A1C testing can mitigate some of these challenges, as seniors can have their blood sugar levels regularly tested from the comfort of the care center while also cutting costs on hospital trips or bringing in phlebotomists for blood tests. At-home A1C testing kits offer a solution by providing convenient testing, empowering seniors, and alleviating caregiver burden.

The Crucial Role of Caregivers

Caregivers, encompassing both staff and family members, play an indispensable role in the diabetes care of seniors. They are often the first to observe subtle yet crucial early warning signs of blood sugar irregularities, such as unexplained fatigue, increased appetite or thirst, unintentional weight loss, frequent urination, confusion, and recurring infections. This vigilance allows for timely intervention and prevents potential complications.

Beyond identifying early symptoms, caregivers are instrumental in the practical aspects of diabetes management. Caregivers can facilitate the scheduling of regular A1C tests, ensuring consistent monitoring. They act as a vital link between residents and medical providers, communicating observations and coordinating necessary care adjustments.

Caregivers can additionally use A1C test results for tailoring diet and exercise plans to stabilize blood sugar levels. Simultaneously managing related conditions like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and weight gain is also essential for reducing the risk of severe and debilitating diabetes-related complications such as amputations, blindness, and kidney failure. 

Furthermore, successfully managing diabetes in residents with complications, including mobility limitations and cognitive impairments, requires a collaborative approach involving caregivers, family, and healthcare providers, along with simplified treatment plans and assistive devices.

Choosing a Senior Living Community

Carefully selecting a senior living community has a huge impact on the senior’s quality of care. The following senior living communities provide diabetes care and health services. 

  • Erickson Senior Living residents benefit from an integrated approach to health and well-being. With on-site medical centers, coordinated access to care, and personalized wellness planning, the community is designed to support residents in maintaining their health, independence, and quality of life.
  • Brookdale Senior Living’s integrated approach to senior care addresses the complex needs of residents living with diabetes and other chronic conditions. By combining individualized care planning, physician collaboration, and proactive clinical monitoring, Brookdale helps reduce hospital readmissions and supports better health outcomes. Programs like Optimum Life® and B-Fit complement medical care with nonpharmacologic interventions, promoting overall well-being and a higher quality of life for residents. 
  • Sunrise Senior Living is committed to providing skilled care to its residents living with a variety of health conditions. To assist their residents, they offer transportation to physicians’ offices, personalized support from Designated Care Managers, individualized Service Plans, and healthcare provider access to Sunrise’s powerful electronic health record system, Sunrise CareConnect.

Conclusion

Given the high prevalence of diabetes in senior living communities, consistent A1C monitoring is essential. Implementing a standardized approach to diabetes care that includes accessible testing, comprehensive programs, and ongoing education is imperative across all facilities. 

Prioritizing mobility-friendly, caregiver-supported A1C testing will significantly enhance residents’ quality of life, improve health outcomes, and promote sustained independence.

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